I have to say I like the implementation that Paizo has done with Favored Class (giving it a bonus instead of a penalty) - but I have to ask - can we just drop the concept altogether?
It's really, really not necessary.
And I love the writeup in the Halfling section "It's their sense of community that sets them apart" ... favored class: rogue. Nice.
My one problem with the favored class mechanics is punishing a player for wanting a non-stereotyped choice. As an example, based on what I have seen so far a probperly constructed elf bard could be an excellant alternative to the prestege class of bladesinger. However, a half-elf bard will always be superior due to being able to make bard the favorite class.
Doug
Actually, I disagree with this on many levels, the most important being that the iconic characteristic of humans is their ability to fill any niche. Humans being able to select their favored class is one of the primary virtues - they can select their own best niche, rather than having it chosen for them by racial characteristics. While any member of any species can transcend their niche, the favored class system gives a tangible benefit to fulfilling it.
Ridiculous. By that argument, I could make a fighter with an 8 strength, and make fighter my favored class. Huh?
What about 20th level characters who are Ftr10/Wiz10? What should their favored class be?
The rule is stupid, and unnecessary, and seems to exist for the sole purpose of keeping people from multi-classing so much. That's why it was there in D&D 3.5 - and to carry it over into Pathfinder (even with the modification) is not necessary.
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I like the idea of favored classes, but think it should worked in by something the character chooses, like racial feats, rather than being an automatic bonus or penalty. That way, anyone who doesn't like the idea of favored class can easily ignore or disallow it, while it's still available for those who want to use it.
I left a (slightly) more detailed idea for how this might work in the Racial Feats thread.