Here on some suggestions based off my own experience. Keep in mind that I'm elvaan, but I think the advice should mostly carry over to hume.
PLD AF is good armor for quite a while. I've seen some paladins pick up some of the level 70 Lord's armor, but I personally don't like that stats. Perhaps for a race with more MP they'd be nice though.
If you could afford an Espadon+1 instead, it'd be nice but most likely unnecessary. I had trouble myself justifying such a large price difference for the stat increases it gave.
General's shield is an excellent choice, which I would keep until Koenig Shield at level 73, which is end-game shield gear for paladins unless you can afford the HQ Kaizer Shield.
Not sure what to do with the ranged slot. I've been trying to get a Rosenbogen bow, but this is no simple task. =/
For earrings, I'd switch out one of the Drone Earrings (AGI+3) with a Mercenary's Earring. The Latent effect is active whenever you have WAR subjob and the VIT+2 seems to benefit me greater than AGI+3.
Regarding Pigeon earrings, I personally prefer to equip lots of HP+ items for HNMs or similar situations. In EXP parties, you'll most likely still be able to parry and block attacks, so the AGI+3 from the Drone Earring probably makes up for a mere 20 HP (or 25 HP with Pigeon+1).
I would most definitely replace your Phalanx Rings with 2x Chrysoberyl rings. With Crab or Fishkabobs, you'll probably be close to the limit of return on the DEF vs. ATK curve. The STR vs. VIT curve doesn't have deminishing returns like the DEF vs. ATK curve though, so the VIT+6 you'd get from 2x Chrysoberyl would probably be much more useful than the 20 DEF from 2x Phalanx, especially when your DEF is already 450+ with food and Protect.
In terms of belts, I almost always use Life Belt for exp parties. The ACC+10 really helps me connect, which builds hate a TP. Being able to hit often is particularly fun if you get Joyeuse. Last exp session I was in, I gained TP faster than both the MNK and DRK I was skillchaining with.
Despite the benefits of the Life Belt, I always carry around my trusty Warrior's Belt+1. If I seem to be taking high damage but also don't seem to have trouble hitting, I'll occasionally switch this belt with Life Belt. I currently use Warrior's Belt+1 for HNMs too because of the HP+4 and VIT+3. I've been toying with purchasing the Koenig Belt for HNMs, but I'm having trouble justifying trading 20 HP and 3 CHR for 4 HP and 3 VIT.
Regarding the neckpiece, I keep both IM Collar and RG Collar. Just like with the belts, if I seem to be taking relatively low damage, I'll use the RG Collar to increase my accuracy and damage, which increases my hate. If I need the extra damage reduction, I'll use IM Gorget.
Regarding mantles, I use Beak Mantle+1 and I'm pretty happy with it. Republican Army Mantle would be an upgrade, but I'm Windurstian and didn't think the upgrade was worth that many CP, especially since I eventually would like different mantles (perhaps Behemoth Mantle, Fenrir's Cape, or Shadow Mantle). When I eventually get these, I would be unable to sell the Republican Army Mantle back.
Well, that's just my current thoughts on gear. Hope some of it was helpful.
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