There is no class that you should expect to win a 3v1, but paladins do have that potential. I would say that if you have multiple opponents you should count on meleeing more, as it is resource free damage and winning a 3v1 requires VERY smart use/timing of skills.
Also, so sorry to inform you that paladins do not "rape face", they tickle you to death. Paladins win long, drawn out fights againt almost anything, but rarely win a short fight.
Plenty of pally's I have seen seem to vent their frustration about this reduced melee damage by killing base paths/lowbie specs with less health, which may be where you are seeing these killstreaks and getting the wrong idea about your class.