Shaman Totems vs Paladin Blessings

[MongoJerry]

Both are very viable PvP classes, but I think Shammies are more popular because they're more fun (I've never played a Paladin, so I can't say from personal experience, however.)

Both are dominating PvP classes. The reason why the shaman is the more popular PvP class is because shaman (specifically, elemental shaman, because enhancement and restoration shaman are terrible in PvP) get to rack up the fast kill shots, and for most players that's what brings the excitement. You get to see yourself high up on the kill boards. Paladins, on the other hand, do very well against most classes, but the fights usually take a long time. And in a group situation, you're not usually the one to get the kill shot, so you don't get to see the big kill numbers at the end of the game.

On the other hand, if the only statistic that matters to you is whether you win or lose, then the paladin is the way to go. A paladin who ignores kill ratios and instead focuses on healing, dispelling, shielding, and casting things like Blessing of Freedom on his or her partymates, and casting Hammer of Justice and/or Repent on his or her enemies can completely alter the dynamics of a fight with his her or presence. As an enemy, I can tell you that the presence of a paladin, or for God's sake *two* paladins, completely alters your spell selection and who your group targets to kill first. If you are the type of player who can appreciate the feeling of "controling the fight" and countering the attacks of your enemies not only against yourself but also your teammates, then the paladin is for you.

Not everybody can appreciate that. In fact, I would say that most people can't, which is why most people tend to made dps characters instead of healers. But other people's personalities have them lean toward a healer/defensive role. Well, it's not even that. It's more like a "come at me with all you got, because I can take it" role. If your personality fits with that mindset, then the paladin is for you.