I personally feel that what class one plays depends on who the player is. When I started playing FFXI, I knew right away I wanted to be a black mage. That is just how I roll; standing back and throwing fire. I got a guild wars account, picked the job where I stand back and throw fire. Got a WoW account, and naturally made a mage, so I can stand back and throw fire. Granted, the equipment involved and the timing of my casting matters, but my main motivation is that I like to stand back and throw fire. To answer your question, I would need to know what you are looking for in your playing experience. From what I gather, you want to do damage. Druids, Warlocks, Thieves, Mages, and Hunters might be good for you. You also seem to want survivability. You may really want to simply be able to take several hits. A warrior may be good for you, though it would not allow you to heal without potions or first aid. I am really only knowledgeable on the workings of a mage, where my brand of survivability is simply choosing my battles. You seem to express interest in druids, because of their versatility.
The official site tells you the strengths and weaknesses of the class; not just that you are limited to cloth and leather armor; the strengths of your various animal forms, although they may make you more suited for a particular situation, you will still be less capable than the class that corresponds to that animal form.