Exactly. Current Ret paladins seem to have been designed in paper only.
Blade of Justice dealing physical damage still bewilders me and its one example of confusing gameplay and narrative dissonance.
I still cannot understand why they removed interesting rpg class interactions like paladins having undead and demon stuns and not affecting demon hunters (atleast in demon form).
Exorcisim not having any special effect on Demon Hunters during their Metamorphosis, is at the bare minimum, a text mess.
The upcoming paladin buff is a strong example of paper design - just buffing numbers… This completely ignores paladin characteristics and potential - even within what they have already designed for Dragonflight.
For example, it does not save the many proc buffs ret paladins have, which are useless due to duration and unaccountability. What do you do with 2 second 6% strength buff? 4 Seconds Seraphim? How do you play with this? You dont… you see the talent, then ignore it.
Another clear example of missed potential, is Seal of Wrath talent. Why not just add that extra damage to judgement? Having it be a second hammer, for “flavor” only, is irrelevant and confusing. At first, I thought it would at least proc a second Zeal, since it is right above this talent.
My point is not to complain about a weak class - I have always enjoyed playing the underdog. My point is the clear lack of design focus around this solid class, so intertwined with WoW’s backstory.