Im going to go ahead with the paladin / dirge for now... number one rule, play whats fun.. and the guy is fun for me at the moment. If i get to a point where hes no longer enjoyable ill just shelve him and pair the dirge with somebody else.

Backing him up with a zerker / healer and considering something silly like warlock / warlock for a caster duo lol.

Anyways, I appreciate everybody's advice.