I went through a similar thought process from what you describe, and I settled on group 1, except I use 2 mages and 1 warlock. I just prefer 2 sheeps for heroics. I can't imagine a pet tanking much in a heroic. I've run tons of heroics, and well geared tanks were hard to keep up in some places as a healer, against 1 mob no less. Even if the pet wore plate, your healer will draw aggro trying to keep it alive, causing more problems.


Paladins can tank fine in heroics. Hell, they tank fine all the way into SSC. After that, I don't know. It's easier to have a warrior in some situations, but a good pally tank can handle all heroics with no problem. I personally chose the class because of the extra buffs, and I can switch out to backup heal and have the pet tank if things get hectic. Plus, if I get bored with the setup, I can make the pally heal, and have a shadow priest in group.