Ok, so I have been looking around trying to figure out the classes. If anyone has played EQ1 it would be a big help (I would understand that terminology better. I was looking for something like a Shadow Knight).
I was hoping for a class that (ideally) could:
Find groups easily, but still be able to solo if need be. I want to be able to tank, but I dont want to always be forced into that role. For example, in a group maybe pull, provide dps and tank adds, but also be able to serve as main tank if need be. Be on the upper end of the DPS scale, and have magical abilitiess.
I saw that pretty much all the classes can solo to some degree. It looked like Shaman or Druids were closest to what I wanted. Also, when responding; I will mostly be grouping with maybe a little raiding, and won't have top end gear most likely.
Shaman vs Druid
What is their general role in a group? Are they sought after for groups?
Can they tank well enough to have an 'efficient' group as main tank? Also, which is better at tanking?
Where do they rank on the DPS scale?
Anything else I should know?
The Druid shape shifting.. is it functional? It seems like it would become a large hassle very quickly.
Also, I saw the new Hero Class. The Death Knight looked like almost exactly what I wanted, so I may toy around with a caster.
Mage or Warlock?
Better for solo?
Easier to find a group?
What are their respective roles (if any) other than damage?
Do the soul shards become a huge pain for the warlock?
Firstly, it's great that you've done so much research; most people come on and say things like "lol whare's ironfarge?!", or "wuts a dr00d?". Good for you. :)
Secondly, Druids tank and Shamans don't. Shamans can be melee dps, caster dps, or healers, whereas druids can fulfill all three roles pretty well: melee dps, caster dps, tanking, and healing.
Your "ideal class" that you described will be here soon! The Death Knight is pretty much exactly what you want; sorry it's not here yet! However, a Druid can tank and dps pretty much in the same pull; however, your gear wouldn't support both at the same time. Even so, you can always switch gear when not in combat. Spec'd Feral, you can solo pretty damn well -- and also tank. You'll be needed in instances a lot, and if you keep a set of healing gear, you can also heal non-heroic instances pre-70.
Good luck, and welcome to WoW!