Looking over the new Ranger changes, the class now appears to be simply an evolved Archer. It's almost as if you start with the Archer class, branch off and become a Scout at level 20, and then select an endgame class such as Ranger at level 40.
Generally, class evolution works by starting you off with an extremely basic kit and then adding a host of new abilities while retaining most of the ones you began with. For instance, after evolving into a Ranger, they would still retain the core of an Archer's ranged DPS rotation through Barbed Shot and Quickshot, both of which the Ranger now appears to have. The Archer's main group utility ability, Caltrops, could be improved into an instant cast AoE snare that does not require crafting, carry the failure chance associated with traps, or need to be placed beforehand and remain stationary.
You would, of course, retain your ranged stance while also gaining a melee DPS stance and a tanking stance... upgrades that seem reasonable for the third evolution of the class. Leather armor would obviously need to be upgraded to chain, and an endgame class would need interesting mechanics and group utility, such as healing, tracking, increased group movement speed, a group attack/DEX/AC buff, poison and disease cures and resistance buffs, single target and group health regeneration, damage shields, out of combat group mana regeneration, mobile invisibility, lulls, beast crowd control, roots (and not 6s with an arrow that needs to be crafted), etc. Nice improvements from the base class that had virtually zero utility.
If it turns out that Rangers can deal ranged DPS equivalent, or at least close, to that of an Archer, why would anyone actually play an Archer? And has the Ranger Deep Dive moved anyone who was considering Archer towards Ranger instead?
