I prefer
Warriors
Ranger, Paladin, Fighter, Barbarian
Caster
Magic User (lets say Wizard), Priest, AN Other with a non vancian spell model
Rogue
Thief, Bard
A druid is just a Priest who drops a few casting levels and takes some daily/at will powers
A Monk should just be a figther who drops armour use for special at will daily powers
In a perfect world I would cut the whole lot down to 3 classes and have sub-classes whcih are just specific options
So a Paladin is just a fighter who drops some combat skills in return for daily/at will powers
A ranger is just a fighter wo drops comabt skills etc etc
You end us with 3 classes (I could cope with wizards and Priests being separated) and a number of set sub-classes or archetypes which are set paths through the selection of options.
Some DMs might allow their PCs carte blanche to create their own archetypes from the options I would not allow that and set the archetypes based on DM choice and Setting.
Not suprising in light of my other recent posts htis is exactly how my heartbreaker looks.
Warrior
Archetypes include
Knight, Pirate, Kensai, Assasin, Ranger
Caster
Archetypes include
Sage, Priest, Wizard, Alchemist, Demonologist, Templar
Rogue
Pirate, Assassin, Thief, Spy, Smuggler
3 classes llets me set niche protection up to
Warrior = Combat
Caster = Magic
Rogue = Skills
workign well on paper the devil though as always is in the detail....