You're missing the point. For any 1 handed weapon using fighter, even sword and board, there is almost no reason to go STR. DEX gets you the same hit and damage as a longsword, comparable armour, better stealth, better ranged attacks, and better initiative. And I don't think the Fighter should have to go 2hW or archer for mechanical reasons. Saying "play a rogue instead" is also not particularly helpful.Yea but a fighter should go two handed, archer or sword and board tbh, and if he wants some versatility in that STR is the better compromise since ranged attacks are contextual.
Your dex based fighter is easily outperformed by a rogue, especially a swashbuckler from SCAG.
Anyway, that's my game and my take on it. If giving the rapier reach gives you feels you should go ahead and do that.