Most likely they wanted to add a bit more variety into the hunter class. At least by going in another direction as opposed to how Survival used to work.
The idea of adding in a melee spec-option for hunters, I wouldn’t say that it’s a bad thing. I just wish it could’ve been done without removing the ranged spec we used to have. As I amongst many others loved that spec for years and years.
Even though I would prefer if we got the previous version with Explosive Shot, Black Arrow and Serpent Sting back as it’s own spec, with the same spec-fantasy overhaul as all specs got in Legion there ofc is another option as well. That is to give it back to us through the MM spec(talents).
Made a post on how the basis of it could be done here:
Who knows why…