Paladin... Not a bad class, but only if you're playing against the Undead... :) Not very effective against other factions!

That's exactly why I voted for this hero. It's a big mistake to think he's only good against the Undead. Very few of the other heroes will be able to figure him out, especially in, say, a duel at equal levels.
And the higher the level, the harder it will be to kill him.
That's the first thing. Secondly, as long as this hero is alive, all the other heroes in the army are alive too. He is the most effective fighter.

Even against the Undead, I'll give you an example: don't be scared - this "not bad class" can easily withstand an attack from 50 Devils under an Expert Tactics master at around level 20, i.e., with a Grand Master of Life and a Grand Master of Combat! :eek: And not only does he withstand it, but he loses only about half his health :) (I'm giving an example from my own personal experience.)
Tell me, who else can boast that among the heroes of the same level?
You'll say again that it's against the Undead - the answer is simple: he has amulets for all occasions.

In general, any mage needs combat skills - otherwise, they'll be killed! IMHO

Added after 4 minutes

P.S.

Heh... I forgot about the Archmage!! (+20% to the power of all spells). Just saying! :D

The topic is called "Re: Which mixed hero class do you like (combat)" - what does the Archmage have to do with it?;)