Is it stands, there are already four classes capable of outputting raid-viable melee DPS: Rogues, Warriors, Shamans, and Druids (Shaman being a weaker link but still notable); all four classes exceed Paladins' DPS capabilities by a large margin in TBC. Retribution should never be a viable choice for raid DPS, because that would squeeze a spot that already has more than enough players contending for it. Healer and tank spots are far more scarce, and those just so happen to be the two areas at which Paladins excel. Are Paladins the only class incapable of dealing damage competitively? Perhaps, but considering the other strengths of the class, I don't believe this is unfair, just as Moonkin are not rationally expected to compete with Mages and Warlocks on damage (regardless of their limited group utility, they are rarely a sought-after spot filler.)

In my opinion, in lieu of great DPS, Paladins should be made much stronger tanks, equalling or even exceeding Warriors in most circumstances. In keeping with the tradition of Diablo II (from which WoW drew nearly countless influences,) Paladins tanks should be shield-reliant with a greater number of strong auras and self-buffing abilities. Whereas Warriors should be high-HP soakers who are inferior for long-term fights like bosses, but who are great for big groups with abilities like Cleave and Whirlwind. (Ignore the fact that in Diablo II, Paladins also did absurd amounts of damage, albeit through game mechanic loop holes like Crushing Blow.) It'll never happen though!

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