[maskedmelon]

A well played paladin can make a shitty group good. An average paladin is pretty useless.

A well played ranger can do the same, but also contribute meaningfully in a good group.

The problem is, I have never grouped with a well played paladin and only ever grouped with perhaps one well played ranger. Most don't understand what they can/should do.

Shadow Knights cast disease cloud and sometimes feign death. I have never seen one do anything impressive.

Warriors are absolutely awful, but can be useful with root and are indispensable with their defensive discipline.

Erudite Paladins are absolutely awful statistically. Even with a Shield of the Stalwart Sea, a naked dwarf has better stats. They are fashionable though and therefore are the best choice.