I agree they have excess debuff choices and lack some colorful dps
I really enjoyed pet classes in EQ. RoTF Summoner is pretty fun as well. Being able to summon equipment for your pet fits the class. There are a few things I didn't care for.
I don't like how mobs know exactly who put the damage shield on their target. If you buff the puller or if MT is pulling, the pet constantly charges into the cave the moment the puller gets agro.
Agro management seems really weak as well. I feel it has to do with the omniscience the mobs have. Fighting 2 weak mobs, even greys, the 2nd opponent will usually break from the pet and charge me. This is even without me casting a single spell or making a melee attack. If I back off the pet and redirect to the add, the original target will then break and attack me. I feel like the pet should maintain agro if it's the only thing doing any damage.
I heard one of the devs saying that they do not have any bonuses in for when you hit a lower level mob with melee. So melee can not technically kill a grey faster than when it could kill it while it was white or blue if your character's gear/weapons are the same. I would imagine this is the same for a pet since it would using melee to attack the mob in your scenario. But mobs indeed do have bonuses when they are above the level of the player. I also do not think some of the stats are fully mapped to attacks when it comes to melee. STR does work but it is a lower impact on 1 handers than 2 handers (not sure this matters for your pet). Lots to do!