In the current beta, there is a class distribution total of:
Horde: 46
Alliance 45
That means that Alliance is lacking 1 race/class combo compared to Horde.
The distribution of Shamans to paladins for each respective faction:
Horde: [Shaman]:4 [Paladin]:2
Alliance: [Shaman]:2 [Paladin]3
This means Alliance is also missing a Paladin to even out the once faction specific classes.
Current Race/Class distribution numbers:
Orc: 7
Undead: 7
Tauren: 7
Troll: 9 (with Troll Warlocks)
Blood Elf: 8
Goblin: 8
Human: 8
Dwarf: 9 (with Dwarf Warlocks)
Night Elf: 7
Gnome: 6
Draenei: 7
Worgen: 8
This means that currently, Gnomes have the fewest classes to pick from out of any race in the beta.
With the introduction of the priest to the gnomes, there is no longer a "lore reason" to not give them Gnome Paladins.
Due to the existence of warriors, there is no physical reason why they can't be paladins.
Gnome Paladins would even out the faction class choices, as well as the paladin class choices for Alliance.
I'd like any thoughts as to why they should not be implemented. Thanks