>First, let's look at the defenition of "Associate"
>
>as·so·ci·ate Audio pronunciation of "associate" ( P )
>Pronunciation Key (-ssh-t, -s-)
>v. as·so·ci·at·ed, as·so·ci·at·ing, as·so·ci·ates
>v. tr.
>
> 1. To join as a partner, ally, or friend.
> 2. To connect or join together; combine.
>
>Or.....
> To join in or form a league, union, or association
>
>
So, Tribunal is not inherently evil. The only thing you are joining yourself with, or allying yourself with when you join Tribunal, is the Spire/Law. This isn't Empire. You don't "serve" the Trib imm or the Provost. You serve the cities that are protected.

Something you might be missing, there is play in the code for a reason. It is to allow for different interpretations, and I think you limiting yourself to one steadfast view of paladins is limiting the char possibilities you either find acceptable as a player or what you could be playing yourself.

My Shok pally isn't going to be just like your Grurk pally, nor are they going to hold the same aspects of the code in the same regard or perhaps even view them in the same way. I think Vlad did an excellent job of displaying a good example of creativity and paladins with his Eshval follower.