I'm probably going to regret this...
Would this sort of Warlord satisfy anyone?
Strength/Cha based
Martial Weapons, All Armors, Shields
d10 HD
2 Skills from Athletics, Intimidate, Insight, Persuasion, Perception, History (more or less)
The chassis is built around Superiority Dice. Unlike a BM, they get them at first level, get more of them than a BM, and get more powers.So while a might have 3 manuevers and 4 dice; a Warlord has 5-6 maneuvers to start and 6+ dice.
All the rules for BM maneuvers (Saving throw, refresh rate) apply.
They get all the maneuvers of a regular BM, plus more. Maneuver dice can be used for more advanced tactics (perhaps costing 2 or more dice to, save, allow every ally an immediate 10 ft move), healing (maneuver die + Cha to a ally who can hear you within 30 ft), etc.
A "Passive Aura" Ability that grants advantage to a certain type of dice rolls (strength saving throws,dexterity skills and ability checks) or a straight bonus to certain rolls (+1d4 to damage rolls). The aura is always on, though a character can only benefit from one aura at a time (so no multiple auras, even from multiple warlords. Too many cooks and all that). Warlords get a limited choice of these auras.
Extra attack at 5th level.
A capstone ability and some ribbons along the way.
Subclasses can focus on a type of leader; captains get abilities on ships/sailing crews; marshals are lazylords, and knights are "in front follow my lead" types emphasizing personal melee and even some defender abilities. You could also grant some "minor" spellcasting powers to one of the subs to have a "divine leader" or "master of arcane fighting style" for more of a wahoo option.
Essentially, moving the battle master mechanic from a subclass and making the emphasis/focus of a class and expanding the BM superiority dice to be "spell slot" of a warlord. They also get minor bonuses (akin to warlock invocations) that are always on; and can also serve as a tank/melee PC if needed.
The Battlemaster then retroactively becomes the "Eldritch knight" version of the warlord; for a fighter who wants to dabble in maneuvers but still focus on being a DPS machine.
That way, you get a warlord that can heal, buff, and provide tactical abilities, can also hold his own in combat, and uses established system (superiority dice/maneuvers) without straining the game too greatly.
Would this work as a warlord?