I think perverse is a nice word... but hey...
I think a grappler build is close to be an exploit, as enemies even like giants have a very low bonus compared to PCs.
I think the newer version opens it up for more normal characters.
Actually always when I hear about "builds" instead of characters, I know that it is not what I want at my table.
That does not mean, that you can build a character that focusses on a game aspect, but it is the character, which is important, not a "build". I think looking at the game in this way is "perverse" if I use your words here.
But that is only my point of view and I would not use that kind of words. If you like the game that way. Play that way.
I don't particularily like it.