I am comparing three builds, to make things easier I am summing up the differences. Which does the community feel is better...
Build one is the base
If I choose build 2 (a multiclass mess)
Negatives
* 1 Level Delay of Swashbuckler abilities after level 1
* Total loss of 5 Precision Damage @ level 20 (Various minor damage losses during progression)
* 2 level delay of Swashbuckler abilities after level 5 (Includes previous delay)
* Loss of Level 16-20 Level, total of 5 delays by 20
* Will not take Slashing Grace
*-8 Skill Points
*-5 Favored Class Bonuses
-----Not sure when other delays will happen
Gains
* +1/+1 w/chosen weapon (this will be a wash with one of the higher level losses)
* Martial Flexibility, Unarmed Strike, D6 hand damage
* + 2 Combat Feats
* Quick Draw/Dex Damage
* Will take Dueling Mastery (Wash w/Slashing grace loss)
POSIBILITY 3
Looses
* 2 level delay of Swashbuckler abilities after level 6
-----* 1 level delay of Swashbuckler abilities after level 1
* Loss of 19-20 Swashbuckler abilities
* Will not take Slashing Grace
* -2 Favored Class Bonuses
* -2 Precision Damage by level 6
* -2 Skill points
Gains
* Martial Flexibility, Unarmed Strike, D6 hand damage
* Quick Draw/Dex Damage
* Will take Dueling Mastery (Wash w/Slashing grace loss)
Choice 3?
The basic Builds are
a Bravado Swashbuckler (20)
Choice 3 add one level of Swordlord and Brawler
Choice 2 adds 3 levels of fighers to choice 3
I would suggest looking at a dip in Scaled Fist Unmonk.
My best suggestion for swashbuckler has always been 1st level SB and 19 levels of ANYTHING ELSE. Blackblade Magus is my personal choice when combined with Inspired Blade.
Don't you usually bail on swash after 5 anyway?
I know there is a lot of negativity about swashbucklers, I don't really get it personally. Maybe it is because I compare them (and all Martials) to fighters...