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Dungeons & Dragons and ... classes. I mean it works and it has its strong sides, but seriously, it is kinda over-used. 

There are alternatives.

I'd rather have something like a "class tree"  where I evolve from through a logical sequences of careers, professions, vocations, jobs, trainings, talents or whatever. I mean, you start at a point (and with skills and abilities) everyone 'gets' and you give it a name that makes sense - not "rogue" but "scoundrel". A scoundrel is a lowly rogue. But what keeps a "scoundrel" from becoming a rogue? Or a ranger? Or an archer? Or a brigand? Or a  Crook? Or maybe even a Merchant, or a politician? 

I mean, once a fighter, always stuck in that same old constrictive fighter cookie cutter archetype. It's so bland. It's so unrealistic. I don't want to start out as a Legolas, and after 5 years of play discover I am still the same cookie cutter ranged damage machine Legolas? I might like being ambassador Legalos, or prospector Legolas, or songsmith Legolas as well. 

Of course this can be "patches" by ladling on a sauce of skills, but wouldn't that be kinda artificial?  I'd peresonally love seeing characters evolve through a sequence of more defining (and uplifting) roles. I'd also love to see a fair percentage of those roles to offer me (and the GM!) at least the freedom to pursue nonmartial careers or activities in a roleplaying game.

There is more to meaningfully simulate (or play with) out there  than just the art of sticking knives in enemies. There may be nicer things or actually a lot more fun things to simulate. To each his or her own, as long as over-all freedom increases, right?

I'd never want to take away swashbuckling combat, or good'old dungeon slash, for anyone who is in to that sort of thing. But remember than Indiana Gnomes spent most of his days lecturing to greasy teenagers, or studying old books, or sipping booze in sleazy bars, negotiating with nazi's. It wasn't all Murder & Mayhem. 

Maybe D&D needs to grow up a little?