Merc = with the recent buffs got back their low cd ignore def skill, along with a handful of disables when changing to soul blader.
Glad = the weaker counter part of berserker IMO, until they change to crussader where they trully shine and be their own class, big burst and bleeding skills.
harder time to get into party for dungeon or raids, but excel in pvp if geared properly. at the end of the day take ppl's advice/opinion with a pinch of salt. just explore their skills with the in-game skill builder and just pick whatever you feel like playing, dont let our opinion discourage you to try/explore different things. play it and make it work for you where others fail.
good luck!
*personally i liked gladiator alot more xD