~ UPDATED 8/28 ~
I've been thinking about what can be done to improve upon our current incarnation. I only play Ret, so my personal opinions are based on that fact. I feel like Ret specifically is too clunky. And when I say clunky, I mean that it lacks fluidity and intuition. It's a very paint-by-the-numbers spec. Following are some changes that I would like to see for the next expansion. Please leave comments if you like, and also tell us what you personally would like to see changed in the near future.
DISCLAIMER: Any changes I suggest are not meant to make the spec and/or class OP. Numbers would need to be changed.
Crusader Strike - (No cooldown) - Each CS applies a stack of "Unnamed Buff" to the Paladin that increases critical strike rating by 3% for 10 seconds. This buff stacks up to 3 times and is refreshed whenever a new stack is applied.
I would like to see the cooldown removed completely. Having one ability that we can use multiple times in a row creates a more smooth rotation. The class already has a 1.5 sec gcd (which is nice after playing some of the more intense 1.0 sec gcd classes), so there is no need for such large gaps in the rotation. I want to always have a button to push so that I can continue to build my HP for the grand finale. Having CS without a cooldown would create a nice anchor for a better priority system.
Exorcism - (No cooldown) - Would normally deal less damage (half?) than what it does now. BUT, when used with the Art of War proc, Exorcism would then do one of two things:
1. Create two Holy Power instead of just one like normal.
OR
2. Deal double/triple damage.
OR
3. Maybe it should do both.
I generally want to use Crusader Strike more often and Exorcism less often in order to max my damage. Once again, this will create a better flow to our ability usage. And by doing it this way, we would have a ranged damage spell available in our repertoire at all times even if the spell was a bit on the weak side outside of AoW procs.
Consecration and Hammer of the Righteousness - I would like to see Consecration once again replace HotR for Ret. The current situation where our AOE rotation mimics our single target rotation feels really, really bad. I've personally never been a fan of HotR and Consecration had been a staple of the class for so very long. Also, with a faster moving rotation thanks to the change to CS, the gameplay would make more sense with Consecration and it's longer cooldown.
Inquisition Buff - I do not like buff buttons. Inquisition brings up irrational anger due to my time playing a Paladin back in Vanilla. Normally I would say delete the ability all together. But, we may be able to salvage things:
Judgment - (6 sec cooldown) - Applies the "Judged" debuff to your current target (Increases Holy damage against that target for 20 seconds). Won't get into actual damage numbers, but it would do more damage than CS.
New Inquisition - (9 sec cooldown) - Applies the "Judged" debuff to all targets within a 10 yard radius for 20 seconds. Would do enough AOE damage to be worth using at 3+ targets.
The idea here is for Judgment to apply the Holy damage "debuff" onto your actual target. Inquisition, on the other hand, would be more like Mass Judgment essentially. This would give Inquisition more purpose and adds to the theme of the class.
The color Pink - This may be my boldest and most controversial suggestion yet. I want to see the class color (Pink) changed. Pink is the one color that should not be used as a "class color" IMO. Black or a Dark Gold would be much more appropriate for Paladins. Black represents the Judge archetype very well. And Dark Gold makes sense for obvious reasons. Either color would be a great replacement IMO. Seriously, no class should be Pink.