I actually like some of the noble-warrior's class abilities. I also don't think (like Gary) they don't translate well into feats.

I still think that a great general type of class would work real well. Although I'm not real found of making an alternate fighter class, which would in essence really be adding another class since there is no way the fighter class would be replaced or abandoned.

I still think that a great general prestige class makes the most sense here. The d10 hit die could work real well along with 4 skill points (vice the 2 for fighters).

An important feature of prestige classes is that they are more powerful than standard classes so trying to balance a prestige class with a standard class is not an issue - they should only be balanced with other prestige classes.

What this would do is to open up things to adding some more powerful class type abilities or upping the power of the present ones. Something to think about.

In addition since the use of prestige classes are purely optional those who don't like the concept don't need to worry about incorporating it. And since they are optional it is much easier for a DM to make changes to them without incurring the wrath of his players by changing core rules (or in the case BRCS core rules).