Overall analysis of the ranger?
I agree with both points. Longbow buffs and Spirit buffs would probably put Rangers on the map as a profession. After that we can worry about the “nitpicky” issues.
e.g. making Signet builds an alternative to Survival-skill based builds
Making Shouts worth something
Making the OHs that are not a Warhorn more attractive
Cleaning up Trait lines
Those 4 above are on my list after Longbow/Spirit buffs, as both of those were well over-nerfed. I’d recommend just reverting the nerfs and seeing how it goes from there. I doubt people will complain about the old longbow, as most WvW zergs have figured out Arrow Carts work.
The other thing that NEEDS to be fixed is sword locking, but that may be a bit more complex than changing coefficients on skills.
Longbow, worst weapon in game, it needs adjustment.
The distance means nothing in almost all encounters. Most other classes have a 900-1200 distance skill and the small gap of advantage you have is closed with a dodge within a second.