I think the biggest thing people who are saying "there are not enough options for the class" or assume that large chunks of the class description are missing are thinking in terms of a 3e mindset. In 3e (and prior editions as well) the class was the primary way the character was defined. That's why we had such a proliferation of kits, prestige classes, substitution levels and alternative class features, and not many new character races. Heck, there weren't even as many feats as we expected.
I think there are more rogue powers than what we currently see, but otherwise I'm sure that what you see is pretty much what you get. The limited weapons list, the limited skill list, and the smaller sneak attack is probably indicative of the class being about a 1/3 of the character's abilities and powers, rather than the 70-80% it was in 3e.
So here are my guesses for how it will go down. We've been told that a elven fighter will play significantly different from a dwarven one right? It seems that weapon lists will be part of that, judging by the elf racial entry which not only got proficiency in bows, but gets an "elven accuracy" ability as an encounter power. Thus, if you want to play a rogue good with a shortbow playing an elf is probably your best bet.
I also think feats will be a bigger part of the equation as well. I would be very surprised if a fighter can take wizard training and trapfinding, but a rogue can't take abilities which train him in other weapons in the list. I imagine training in the rapier and shield buckler will hopefully provide enough mechanical benefits to make it worthwhile. The rapier was a shortsword with a higher crit range in 3e, so I imagine that the rapier in 4e will help with precise strikes and parrying. They've also already said that shields are going to be better than a flat +1-3 to AC, so we'll have to wait and see about that.
I am also sure you could also use your with a shortbow, but I imagine that it will always be difficult to be equal to an elf in archery.
I also imagine that feats and powers will allow you to add to class abilities. For example, I don't think all rogues will sneak attack equally. I imagine if you spend feats or powers to be a good swashbuckler, you'll still be doing +2d6 sneak attack at 10th level. If you take feats or powers to make you a dirty rotten cheater, I imagine sneak attack will get a lot more interesting.
Oh, as a final note on the avoid armour class by targeting a defender's reflex save... yeah I can see that being annoying to a defender. But I also fully expect that defenders are the guys rogues want to annoy with stabbing the least. That's probably why Mouseferatu doesn't use it very often.
I think there are more rogue powers than what we currently see, but otherwise I'm sure that what you see is pretty much what you get. The limited weapons list, the limited skill list, and the smaller sneak attack is probably indicative of the class being about a 1/3 of the character's abilities and powers, rather than the 70-80% it was in 3e.
So here are my guesses for how it will go down. We've been told that a elven fighter will play significantly different from a dwarven one right? It seems that weapon lists will be part of that, judging by the elf racial entry which not only got proficiency in bows, but gets an "elven accuracy" ability as an encounter power. Thus, if you want to play a rogue good with a shortbow playing an elf is probably your best bet.
I also think feats will be a bigger part of the equation as well. I would be very surprised if a fighter can take wizard training and trapfinding, but a rogue can't take abilities which train him in other weapons in the list. I imagine training in the rapier and shield buckler will hopefully provide enough mechanical benefits to make it worthwhile. The rapier was a shortsword with a higher crit range in 3e, so I imagine that the rapier in 4e will help with precise strikes and parrying. They've also already said that shields are going to be better than a flat +1-3 to AC, so we'll have to wait and see about that.
I am also sure you could also use your with a shortbow, but I imagine that it will always be difficult to be equal to an elf in archery.
I also imagine that feats and powers will allow you to add to class abilities. For example, I don't think all rogues will sneak attack equally. I imagine if you spend feats or powers to be a good swashbuckler, you'll still be doing +2d6 sneak attack at 10th level. If you take feats or powers to make you a dirty rotten cheater, I imagine sneak attack will get a lot more interesting.
Oh, as a final note on the avoid armour class by targeting a defender's reflex save... yeah I can see that being annoying to a defender. But I also fully expect that defenders are the guys rogues want to annoy with stabbing the least. That's probably why Mouseferatu doesn't use it very often.
