I guess it is a personal choice. I don't see the point in going for the L4 Spells, as Holy Sword is ok, but space intensive. Death Ward would be nice... but I don't think that is worth losing 2x Bonus Feats, STR +1, FSTM 1, and the longer-term potential of STR +2, FAM/FTSM 2, 4 Bonus Feats, and the like.
But it surely is a playstyle/preference thing. I can see going 14P / 2R with the build... but I think you sacrifice the DPS Side of things. Holy Avenger is an Offensive-DPS Paladin, with Evasion and UMD for Utility. That is the focus of the build... and that's why I think Fighter is the way to go... but YMMV, so make changes as you want!
Dworkin