In BG II they changed the way proficiencies work. In Icewind Dale, 3 proficiencies was as a big a jump from 2 proficiencies as two prof's was from one. It made fighters ultra powerful and left rangers, multiclass fighters and paladins pretty worthless. By lowering the value of having more than 2 proficiencies, they did balanced it up a lot more. If you want to dual wield you will either be left with being specialized in one or two weapons, or you will have to go ranger. The experience penalty still is a bit steep though. But there are reasons to have the spells as a paladin: you get the armor of faith spell that absorbs 10% of ANY FORM of damage. This spell is instantaneous and should be cast in every battle. Sanctuary may also useful if the paladin wants to get draw the enemy in or something (does it allow the stalker to backstab, it is invisibility). The ranger spells aren't so good, but their skills are a little more useful.
By the way, there definitely are no ranger-thieves allowed in the game. The only way to get it is to cheat.
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