I'd argue that in the classic period--meaning levels 1 to 49--Shadow Knights are basically worse than Paladins for grouping. They solo somewhat better outdoors from about level 22 onward, but as a group tank in that level range I'd much rather have the Paladin. Both classes will hold aggro, but the Paladin can protect his group in ways the SK cannot.
The relative power curves of the classes has to be considered as well. Most players on EQ-live during the classic era and into the first couple expansions weren't at the level cap. Many never reached it. The Paladin and Ranger suited those people well; those classes are at the peak of their relative power in the mid levels. The Shadow Knight doesn't really start to shine until very high levels. Unlike Live, players on Project1999 have a tendency to pick a class based on its performance at level 60, whether they reach it or not.
With Kunark the Shadow Knight became better while the Paladin stagnated. At 60 the SK is probably the stronger class when all things are considered. However, few players took the class all the way to the cap. In addition, on EQ-live a lot more players avoided the evil classes than do on P1999. As such the SK remained the least-played class during the period P1999 covers. Note that shadow Knights aren't particularly common here, either. They're about fourth from least-played and not a whole lot of them reach level 60. The main reason that they're not at the bottom is because few people play Paladins, Rangers or Wizards.
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A correction for Itap: SK's and Paladins have their defense skill cap raised to equal to that of Warriors with Velious. They're also put on the same combat table (same chance to miss and same damage for a given strength/offense); however their offense skill cap remains the same as it is in Kunark. Regardless, all hybrids become significantly better during Velious.
Danth
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