That's an interesting point. I don't remember when it changed from "Back stab" to "Sneak attack". There's really no reason I can think of to not do ranged in 5E.
Two-weapon fighting means more average weapon damage and a second chance for sneak attack, so significantly more damage overall. Rogues shouldn't use ranged attacks as their go to in combat unless they want to be less effective. Get in there and stab the heck out of those foes and make your party love (or envy) you.
Hiding every round is one of the ways rogues work to get sneak attack. I cannot count the number of threads about a halfling that can hide behind the fighter and pop out to get sneak attack- either with dagger or bow. It may just be part of the rules. I tend to play with flanking rules so this does not happen much, but could. I find it a bit cheap, but lets the rogue use his abilities and his shtick.
Hiding every round is one of the ways rogues work to get sneak attack. I cannot count the number of threads about a halfling that can hide behind the fighter and pop out to get sneak attack- either with dagger or bow. It may just be part of the rules. I tend to play with flanking rules so this does not happen much, but could. I find it a bit cheap, but lets the rogue use his abilities and his shtick.
You can't hide from a creature that can see you clearly
under certain circumstances, the DM might allow you to stay hidden as you approach a creature that is distracted
Until they take the Sharpshooter feat.
I have no problem playing melee rogues it's just an observation that most rogues are ranged.
Hiding every round is one of the ways rogues work to get sneak attack.
Is this AL observation? My players prefer melee rogues, but that's anecdotal.
But this should rarely be needed. All you need is an ally in melee with your target. You can still shoot them from 60' away! I guess if your entire party frequently fights enemies at range this could be an issue...but I've never been in a game like that. It's a rare exception that someone isn't up on the front line--and more often than not the majority of the characters get into melee, including the rogues.
I wonder how many players (not saying you do) might actually think you have to be hidden to get Sneak Attack?