I'm thinking of taking up a Paladin, and I'm torn between the Monk dedication, and the Defender dedication. Both would fit nicely into the roll/rp style I have planned out for the character, but I'm concerned about ease of leveling, and a little about PK survivability for each one. Has anyone played one or both of these, and could maybe lend me some insight to the pros and cons of each one, outside of what the helpfiles say(trust me, I've read every one I can think of trying to make a decision), cause I'm really looking for some hands on type advice, from people who've been there and done it.

Thanks in advance.

*Posting this here as well as Newbie Forums due to the fact I'd like to roll this class ASAP, I'm excited about this character because it's the first one where I've actually got a role and direction ready to go for the character, and I know how I want to play the character.*

Can only give you my very limited perspective. I'm now playing a 30 elf monk, which isn't much, but I have quite a few hours behind me as I don't like to spam the ranking at all. I also intend to stay at 30 for a bit. I've had quite a few fights and here's the summary:

1) Versus mobs you're completely fine in all ranks, maybe a touch more healing than the more defensive ones, but not a lot. Intensify at 30 really can do a lot of wonder. The only problem for me personally is the damroll, but I guess it depends on how actively you pursue it. I'm not the gear whore type and don't loot my/somewhat my kills in general.
2) Versus players you need your basic preps, especially against lag, i.e. bash/trip at the lower levels to stand your own. Basically you rely on wrath before intensify and you want to at least run people off, and for that, you need enlarge/reduce/fly. DR helps greatly, but at the lower ranks your sanc at 28 will rule the world anyhow.
3) Avoid is a big life-saver, but I have my gripes. One moment you're untouchable and the next you eat two big rounds plus a lag move and you're dead. Slow to improve, too, still in the 90's on an elf.
4) Intensify is probably bigger dam than a wrath spam, but lags you more, still torn on that one
5) Transcend will generally give you "ok" damage across your level range. Warrior types with good weapons will outdamage you though. However, with your sanc the point is moot.
6) Can't keep anyone from running away. Don't know if I'm lucky enough to change that, but once they see them not winning, they bail and are gone. I guess it's across all paladins though.

I'll post more as I slowly rank up, but this will take a while.