That’s an interesting concept that’d flip the current thinking of forms into a completely different direction.
Note: That I do recognise the hybrid tax is/should no longer be a thing, but designs such as what we find in the Druid are limiting it’s potential.
I do agree that we are in a special category that limits our hybridisation. And in effect, the specs are limited because of this very concept.
Should we tank outside of Bear form, or melee dps outside of Cat?
Should I run Resto spec as a Bear to minimise damage taken, then switch to Feral on movement based mechanics, all the while, healing and throwing Star Surge without changing out of the forms?
I think the game has moved past the capability of the use of stances over time, and many concepts through the class are generally outdated.
In the thoughts of spitballing, maybe the Druid specs should operate closer to that of Shaman in reducing the hybridisation throughout the class, where there are class wide utility options, while off spec roles are somewhat more limited (no affinities), than Druid. Leaving room to move away from our of date, hybrid concepts, and allowing spec design to flourish.
Consider our talents, and then imagine each spec not having to deal with concepts of the others, because we’ve practically lost a talent tier (affinities) per spec for Druid hybridity.
Maybe limit the capabilities of a non Guardian, to not tank all. A non Resto, to have access to the basics for self sustain, and no further.
It’s all just a mess really 