Whenever I GM a game, I love to give out a lot of options to my players since I know character building and customization is a huge part of what makes the game fun for our group. Something I'm wanting to try in the next game is a gestalt alternative to feats. Basically at every level you would normally gain a feat due to advancing a level, you would instead be allowed to pick a character class as a gestalt class. You gain all the class features you would normally gain. The gestalt side of the character could only ever gain 1/2 the standard progression, meaning you would gain a level of this gestalt class at each odd hit die. Once you select your gestalt class, you may pick an archetype but you may not multiclass on that aspect of your character.
I have seen VMC but it doesn't fit my tastes.
Just like in a standard gestalt, you get the better of the hit die sizes, saving throws, and progressive class features, though these may change due to only gaining half levels in the secondary class.
What do you think? What would be the potential pitfalls to this that you could see?
I wouldn't really ever want to give up a feat for half a level, especially if it's not a main class of mine. Not that this system is terrible but feats are what make most builds viable
If your Demi-class is pegged at 1/2 of your character level for class features and casting it is great. If you just get to pick the best hit dice, BAB, skill points and saves from your main class or your Demi-class it is easily worth a feat. If you get both, it is a must have.