I’m of the same opinion as this.
I want to stress though that I have no interest in advocating for the removal of current SV(MSV). I honestly think that the idea of a melee focused spec for the Hunter class fits very well with the general fantasy. Or I should say, part of the fantasy.
Maybe it didn’t as much in the old days due to how classes and specs were designed to only focus more on specific parts of your basic toolkit with a few additions, rather than being clear definitions of new playstyles/separate fantasies like what we have today.
As for current SV and it’s specific design…
I don’t play it simply because I’m no fan of melee combat, so as for any mechanical quirks and whatnot that it might have, I’m probably not the best person to ask.
I would’ve preferred if they had kept a bit more focus on the actual Legion-intentions of making it a dedicated melee-spec though.
Mechanically, giving SV a baseline ability like Flanking Strike which is a coordinated attack with a pet, giving it this instead of Kill Command wouldn’t have been a huge difference no. But thematically and in terms of fantasy, it would make quite a big one if you ask me.
They could’ve designed Flanking Strike to essentially work the same as Kill Command does for SV. Just with that unique thematic flare to it.
I would also have wanted them to replace Serpent Sting with a mid-range CD(30-45 sec or so) that when activated, makes your melee weapon(s) apply a stacking poison to targets hit by any of your melee attacks.
I also thought that thematically, a talent with the name “Way of the Mok’Nathal”, would make much sense if designed to allow you to dual wield 1h weapons(axes). Why? Well…Rexxar, is of the clan Mok’Nathal. He DW’s two 1h axes.
Anyway, I’m sure others that are dedicated to current SV(MSV) could come up with some better ideas. Especially in terms of fixing potential issues regarding mechanical design.
As for the old ranged SV, and Blizz’s decision to remove it…
I have no idea whatsoever regarding any potential plans or vision that the devs might’ve had for the spec, in case they would’ve decided to continue it’s development, going into Legion.
I can only speak for myself and provide my own suggestions for what a modern version of the spec/playstyle could be about. Does it have enough to warrant being a fourth spec option for the class? Very much so, I would say!
Even to the point of me thinking that anything less than making it into a separate spec option, wouldn’t do it justice. Maybe that’s just me…
Anyway, maybe some here that has been here for a while have already seen my linked post below, maybe not. But either way, this is what I would’ve imagined ranged SV to become, given a spec identity/spec fantasy-based iteration of it:
Edit:
No, it’s not a giant wall of text. I have no idea why the post is being compressed to look like it does in the link…