Well, you DO get a higher base Con value from becoming a Paladin, but the thing is: you can invest on CON equips for any class and they will get more resilient, so it’s not really a feature of the class, but from the system itself. It’s not so much of an issue if you wanna go support actually, since you get yourself a shield, but if you go DPS, it’s a bit awkward, since the game stimulates you going as a 2H because of the mastery attribute (+5 AoE attack ratio).
You would already lose DPS by going with a Mace and Shield by the flat value difference between a 1H/2H (meanwhile, swordsman that specialize in shields get to use the shield’s defense value instead), but you also lose the 2 handed attribute from Cleric (10% on Strike types) and the +5 AoE attack ratio as well.
Of course it’s not the end of the world if you lose that extra DPS, but if you compromise and neglect the shield, the CON defense bonuses that you get by default on picking Paladin don’t even compensate for your lack of a shield, so i think that it should be looked at. I would like, to start with, either to get a defensive option that makes up for the lack of shield with 100% uptime, or for them to at least allow 1 handers to get the +5 AoE attack ratio bonus as well. If possible, i would like both.
I absolutely agree with all your points, as there isn’t really a good reason for Resist Elements to not have a 100% uptime if needed (it can be reduced back to 50% on PvP, which is not an issue), Demolition lacks the proper damage without the sinergies, and at least that Stone Skin should need a rework. I’m just not entirely sure Paladin needs another party buff, since i feel that adjusting the skills he already has would be enough, but if they are going to do it, i would advice for them to give it an attribute that make it into a self buff instead. That way, he would receive other features that could make Paladin more durable in situations when you wanna go solo or full DPS, without overtunning the support style. I like that idea more, since it’s a way to define if you wanna support the team or go for a more self centered style.