Advice has been taken on board. I have edited the OP. With ->
BEST LEONIN
Ability Scores: Cha +1, Str +1, Wis +1
Other racial features remain.
Claws: Slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier.
Symbolism is there to serve as creative inspiration. Troubling aspects should not be incorporated. This should not be spelt out to you. But do whatever you feel like.
Irrelevant. Show me where I said these replace the Theros leonin.
Fits in better with the lion symbology.
Races are not "balanced" in 5e. Remember.
Okay. Great.
And these are "better" leonin. From non restrictive canon.
Also that is a can get. A might get. Not an assured get. Playing with the feat cannot be assumed.
Not saying races have to be balanced. I am saying the saytr gets a lot.
Okay for Magic. Silly for any other concept of a lion humanoid. And goes against what lions symbolize. Canon should not be restrictive.
The real problem is D&D has too many Str and Con races.