Protection paladin or shaman ?

[davedontmind]

Having previously levelled 4 toons to 70 in the traditional way, I took up multi-boxing recently and I'm having a blast.

Just 9 days elapsed since I started, and already my 5 shamans are at level 50 (gotta love the RaF bonuses!).

When I hit 60 I should be able to insta-level 2 additional toons to 60, and I'm unsure about what's best to do. I'd really like to be able to do all sorts of instances (I have no plans for PvP), and imagine having a protection paladin would make that so much easier, but I've become quite attached to all 5 of my shamans...

Pros of taking on a paladin:
- easier instancing (?)
- someone to take plate drops!

Cons:
- having to re-level herbing/skinning (these are the useful professions on the shaman that would have to be dropped from the group). Or perhaps take blacksmithing instead of one of those professions, in which case I'm a gathering profession down...
- abandoning my "main" shaman

On the other hand, I've seen that people have completed every(?) 5-man instance in the game using 5 shamans. Does the switch to a paladin make a big difference in instances?

Decisions, decisions!

I reckon I won't hit 60 until the weekend, so at least I've got some time to give the matter some thought.

Anyone want to express an opinion?

[Ken]

I would go for the paladin as it makes instances more accessible. It also makes a great human shield for PvP (since they mostly attack your main character, which I assume is going to be that paladin) and he provides very useful buffs for your shamans.

Cons:
- having to re-level herbing/skinning (these are the useful professions on the shaman that would have to be dropped from the group). Or perhaps take blacksmithing instead of one of those professions, in which case I'm a gathering profession down...

Herbalism and skinning are VERY easy to level. I would actually recommend herbalism+alchemy if you don't have alchemy yet. Blacksmithing is VERY expensive to level (if you consider the ore that goes in it and what this ore is worth on the market).

- abandoning my "main" shaman :(

Shouldn't be a problem. It's one less shaman that you have to share gear with and you can always switch him back if you like.

[davedontmind]

Herbalism and skinning are VERY easy to level. I would actually recommend herbalism+alchemy if you don't have alchemy yet. Blacksmithing is VERY expensive to level (if you consider the ore that goes in it and what this ore is worth on the market).

True about being easy to re-level. But still a pain.

Between my 5 shamans I have every profession except blacksmithing (didn't see much point in that one) & space for inscription on one toon.

The choice of skinning/herbalism on my "main" toon was actually planned, so that I could switch her out at 60 if necessary - I figured it would be far easier to re-level 2 gathering professions than any of the others

I guess the simple answer to my dilemma is simply to try each and see what works for me.