This question has a difficult answer.
In a fantasy/sci-fi wargames you can be attracted by a race or astrategy.
In HeroQuest-like games you can be attracted by the heroes or the GM role.
The choice is easier.
In a RPG you could spend days studing the best combos or the "most powerful" combination of classes and features, but IMO the best Race/Class is the one you WANT to play.
If you feel that the Paladin or whatever other class is your character, and you like it and you want to play it: choose it. Don't worry about the rules (in RPG "R" means "role" not "rules").
If you are worried about the balance between classes, there's no problem too, Pathfinder is quite balanced (IMO it's D&D 4th edition as it should be).
+ Other planes lie beyond the reach Of normal sense and common roads But they are no less real Than what we see or touch or feel. +