Gah! I couldn't make it through (read it all) the thread without commenting. With the introduction of forts the game shifted a little, which gave the Dev's a chance to redress this balance. Although the Soldier Quest sequence is rubbish compared to the adventurer & worker quest sequence. Never played as a duelist so couldn't tell you on that one but it looks decent. That evened it up a little.
The worker & adventurer advantages are about equal IMO. Soldier is too good, Duelist is too low. A soldier with premium can completely ignore tactics as a skill. Wear a Black Coat, Black Boots, Medal of Honour, Fancy Felt Fat & Precise Schofield and have 100+ tactics when defending. That just aint fair.
I would reduce it by half, but give soldiers a 25% Leadership Bonus for Fort Battles.
The weapon thing is fine as is the health.
In addition to that.
I'd give workers the same health bonus soldiers enjoy.
I'd give adventurers a 15% dodge bonus.
I'd give duelers a 20% aim bonus.