Perhaps the way you described Paladin being “middle” of everythng (except healing) is the reason why I went SPR CON, ie, choosing not to scale for any DPS.
You know what, I like it fairly well.
CON means that you will be relevant. Just like many support focused class, CON is the main stat.
Now here comes the vague part. You can go full CON if you like, but I like to invest in more than 1 stat for Paladin.
Why I choose SPR? Because it is the only stat other than CON that doesn’t scale for DPS.
Then here comes the Rank 3 class choices (Rank 3 because Cleric 2 is almost a must. You heal tiles scale with Restoration lvl1 so well it is almost a waste of biggest healing potential ever).
You have: Krivis and Diev.
I picked Krivis. Why? Because it has skill that scales with SPR, which is Zalciai, while Diev has non.
Zalciai reduces crit resistance of enemies, and it can go negative value, which means free crit rates. By logic it means reaching critical chance cap.
Zalciai has dual, synchronising functionality. It adds critical attacks.
Both scale on SPR. I have high SPR. Huge damage boost for all physical DPS classes and builds.
“Oh you are full DEX? Here, have some crit attack.”
“Oh you are full STR? Here, have some crit rates.”
“Oh I don’t have both? Here, have both crit attack and crit rates. There you go, my Smite now crits with no investment in DEX.”
Also you know what? Zalciai’s buff and debuff durations are so long that you can cast another Zalciai before they ends. Zalciai’s CD isn’t long either.
Love it.
Now to Paladin. My view is: Don’t try to force Paladin into a DPS role. Play it like what it wants to be, a support with circumstantial DPS.
You main role will be supporting with some of the finest Heal tiles, buff and debuff with Zalciai, get some Elemental Resistance and immunity, throw down some Conviction debuffs, Smite some demons, Turn some Undead, Barrier some mobs, and you will have an enjoyable time. At least for me I am having fun.
Now some extras:
With Cleric 2, I have Cure 10. This plus Zaibas at 4 or 5, you get yourself few multi hits that can capitalize on gears such as Arde Dagger. Zalciai’s attribute that grants Magic Amplification also helps. Sure, it ain’t full INT multi hits, but hey, at least you can get something. Don’t forget Divine Might. Also don’t forget Daino.
There’s also the possibility of good plays with Aukuras + Animus for Matk lovers.
As a “at your own discretion” kind of thing, I’m not at the 260 to 280 range, yet. But my high levels and more experienced guildmate doesn’t hate it, so that’s a good thing. Most reasoning here are done with logical deduction. If you are looking for something that is very, very future proof, you shouldn’t be looking at Paladin at the moment.
Edit: Btw, I think DEX could be a “trap”. Actually, maybe any DPS stats is a “trap”. This, of course, depends on future Rank and changes.
Why I don’t like DEX:
- Paladin is not a DPS class.
- You have to go high DEX. Means low CON. Means low PVP and even PVE survivability. You can’t dodge Magic dumb dumb.