I've grouped with twink and non twink variants of Sk/War/And Pallie.
Classic warriors "suck", relatively speaking, only because SK/Pallies have one button insta-taunt i.e. Flash of Light and Disease Cloud. Duel Yaks etc offset this later.
Personally I think Paladins are one of the most underrated classes on the server.
Flash of light give u insta-aggro, but also has a fear component makes shit run if out of melee range, which can be both a bonus and a pain in the ass. Stun rocks, Root parking gives you minor CC ability. Lull has it's obvious advantages. Pallies (mana pool withstanding) have better healing than druids/shamans at certain level ranges.
YOU are more likely to snatch up Paladin loot than Warrior/SK loot due to low numbers of Pallies. Pallie and Ranger are the two least played I believe.
4/5 groups have a Druid or Shaman as healer so the cleric line of buffs won't be overwrote by your group's cleric as often as you'd think.
LoH will save you, save your group, when used at a critical moment on the right person.
Ghoulbane + LGuk = FTW.
For min/maxers Dwarf Pallie is the only way to go. I've seen a surge of short-lived Eru Pallie Twinks due to the availablity of the shield of stalwart seas. But ultimately, as said so frequently on this and every other race/class inquiry, play what u think looks cool.
http://eqc.wikidot.com/paladin-spells
http://www.eqthieves.com/class-paladin-main.htm
Soloability with "non-soloable classes" is all about using all the tools at your disposal, shit I solo as a rogue.