It comes down to a couple of simple facts IMO.

1. There are 9 classes and 3 specs for each, making 27 possible combos. Now, most raids will take at least 2 prot warriors, and 2 of each type of healer, specced healing. So that leaves about 6-10 class/spec combos out in the cold all things considered. Balance, Elemental shaman and paladins are all good, but are often the first to be cut. Non-combat rogues, and non-marksman hunters are rare...etc. My point is, with 3 tanks, 8 healers, that leave around 14 spots for DPS, and given the choice between another rogue/hunter/mage/lock and a paladin, it's not tough.

2. Paladins can heal, REALLY well. The same justification can be made against shadow priests/druids, but ATM most consider paladins to be THE healer to have. Also, most guilds aren't short on dps, they are short healers, and losing one of the best healing classes in the game to moderate DPS is not wise.

3. @3. You can't go factoring the 3% crit into the paladin's DPS unless you factor all the classes buffs into themselves too. Eg. That WF totem that is increasing a pally's dps would be counted for the shaman. Battleshout counted for warriors....etc.

As for the question...what would it take? It would take my guild getting an influx of about 5 more people all hardcore dedicated to healing, and the loss of an equal number of DPS classes. It would also take the paladin proving he can do good DPS and maintain is for a decent amount of time too.

I think a SINGLE ret pally would be excellent for a raid...there's just no room in a 25 man to squeeze them in in my opinion. 40 mans is where they would shine ironically with their raid wide crit buff.

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