If you look at what support the idea of a melee hunter has in the game, in some ways yes.
But either way, the current BM has a theme built around ranged gameplay and reliance on pets, and while I do think there are quite a few things that need to be changed, as per the link in my previous reply…the actual base approach to the spec and the intended fantasy does fit it very well.
I’m hesitant to comment on what MSV should or should not have/get. Mostly because no matter what, as long as it stays focused on melee-combat, I will not touch it.
I will say this though, what they did going into BfA, with the most recent redesign, they essentially turned it into a melee-version of BM, but instead of some additional elements that would coincide with either of those main themes, they added other random things like thrown bombs or an out-of-touch crossbow.
The biggest issue is really based on how they copied over quite a few signature elements from BM, either literally, or with minor re-skins, and they did all this after having said what they did in regards to their comparison of MM and RSV from before Legion. How RSV was “too similar to MM”, which is what led to the major rework in the first place.
If that gigantic slap in the face isn’t reason alone to give us RSV back as a 4th spec, I don’t know what is…
Especially considering how RSV did not actually share any abilities with MM at the time. All they shared was the very basic theme of both being designed around the use of ranged weapons, while specifics were entirely different to one another. If that’s all that was needed as an excuse then…how can, as an example, Mages have 3 specs that all focus on casting spells? If the specifics don’t matter, if only the most superficial element of focus is what determines variation…yeah.
End of rant…
Oh I agree, if we look at our current situation, in relation to where we are in time in this expansion, I have no desires for major reworks.
Buff Beast Cleave’s AoE-potential, either it’s target cap and/or throughput per-target-hit.
Add some variable(or constant) to for example Bestial Wrath which makes it more powerful(it provides a higher increase to damage dealt). Giving us more burst-potential.
Fix some underlying problems with certain talents, such as the 35%-deficit aura tied to Animal Companion, it affecting other talents. Stomp being glitchy in terms of activasion. And more…
Well, you know where I’m at. If we look to the future and 10.0 and onwards…
#https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/beast-mastery-future-improvementspartial-rework/885639
Some testing to adjust numbers aside, give me that for BM and I’d be all good with how it plays, and what choices we have within.
Have you had any time checking my last reply to you in there btw?^^
I’ve made some small changes to the concept, particularly with a few talents, and the Mastery-effect.