We're doing our best to help you here dude, but as you've probably already
noticed, none of us have ever seen anything like this.

Well, first of all, this is a very weird problem, which doesn't seem to be
happenning that often. None of the people responding here have confirmed
experiencing it themselves, we've eliminated about all differences between
your two pallies, and our characters, so that more or less rules that out.

It probably can't hurt to write a calm and rational e-mail to Blizzard
support describing the problem you're having. A popular Dutch saying is,
roughly translated: "If you don't shoot, you'll always miss." ;)

Anyway, while you're waiting for a response from Blizzard, the only option
left is to fix it yourself.

Either manage with a Normal hired Merc and try to level up some more, then
try to re-hire an NM Merc. As myself and others have shown, we do get the
right type of mercs shown in Greiz' screen.

Failing that, try your best to keep that weak NM Merc alive in the areas
where he levels best. You could go a few levels down, he'll still get exp
in areas at around lvl 16 or 18 I suppose. A clvl50+ Pally should be able
to kill about anything in sight there. Just switch to Zeal (1 pnt with +
skills is enough), and kill everything you see. Also max life on that
merc, by giving him equipment with +life. It might cost you about 7
Perfect Rubies, but if you give him a 3 socket hat with 3 PRubies, and a 4
socket armor with 4 Prubies in, you'll boost his life by 7 x 38 = 266
life. Then also give him the best polearm you can get with life leech on
it. It's too bad you need to be lvl25 to use Amns, so that'd have to be a
magic/rare job.

Another tip: switch on the Prayer aura on your Paladin (or get someone
with you who has a Prayer aura or merc), so the life on your merc is
constantly replenished. Another option would be to switch on a damaging
aura on your Paladin, like Holy Fire or Holy Freeze. You can also get a
'free' level 6 Hoyl Fire aura by wielding a "Kinemil's Awl" unique Giant
Sword. I usually sell these to Charsi right away, so you should be able to
acquire one for just a few pgems. Stack up on some +skills, and before you
know, you'll have a 'free' Holy Fire aura running which will be able to
kill most monsters coming near you.

Also put a staff with teleport charges on your weapon switch, so you can
'call back' the merc when needed.

You could also party up with a Sorc who statics everything in sight (just
be careful the sorc doesn't remove the last 1 hp from monsters, because
Static Field is able to kill in Normal): this way the merc should be able
to one-hit kill about anything he pokes.

Try to find someone willing to put a high level BO on you; with the life
from the Prubies and a high level BO, I don't think anything in Normal can
kill him.

I think a Merc should be able to stay alive in Act 3 Normal with this kind
of support nearby, and I think he'll sort himself out if/when he finally
gains a level.

I'm also of the opinion the above is a much more productive use of your
time than foaming at the mouth here in the group. And please report back
here with your findings when levelling up said merc.

I'm actually wishing I had your problem, because I would be _happy_ to try
and do the things I described above. It's a challenge, and I like
challenges. It's also too bad you're not on Europe, because I'd have been
quite happy to help you with support characters: staticing sorc, who will
also be having a Prayer/Insight merc with her, to further heal the merc,
and I also have a BO capable Barb to boost life further...

Well, good luck, and let us know.

Regards,

Patrick.

Good man. :) It seems your particular problem is rather unique.

I believe that you can email them? I've heard of others getting results.
<shrug> just a suggestion.

Cheers,

What do they mean by 'local dealer'? Surely not the store it was bought
from??? Are they nucking futs?

Jim