I like this idea. And what if moon druid didn't give you access to a higher CR rating of beasts in general, but to specific higher CR rating beasts at specific levels. So every time you hit a level that gives you new sub-class abilities, one of them is a new form that is more powerful than a regular druid could access. For example, at level 3 you get dire wolf, at level 6 hunter shark, etc.
That would solve the "shopping" and complexity problem while still giving moon druids the ability to shift into more powerful beasts and be a pretty good, though not the best, tank.
Edit: or maybe the moon druid gets to pick ONE new specialty form at each sub-class level, limited by a specific CR. This brings back the shopping problem but limits it a lot, while allowing players customization, which is fun.
Moon druids only get elemental shape because there where no high level beast. Not because it's thematic. So I am perfectly fine dropping that aspect.
Then elemental druids could easily be their own thing. (Including wild fire summon).
Also, plant druids, which should turn into an immobilized tree that has a zone. Difficult terrain for enemies, bark skin for allies, scaling reach, or something.
A bit less sure about a bug specific one, but maybe.
I've completely rejected the idea that WS complexity is hurting the playability of the Druid class, largely because Polymorph does not impact the 6 classes that gain access to that spell (including the Druid). In fact, I'm not sure that Druid being the least played class is even an issue, and that trying to 'fix' that is leading away from the stated design goals to make classes for people who like the class.
Just completed the survey, and offered these suggestions.
1. Leave as in 2014, but provide several beast statblocks as examples.
2. Leave mostly as in 2014, but limit the forms you can turn into to a number equal to your PB. You choose the forms when you finish a long rest. Still provide examples.
3. If templates are going to be the way to go, provide options for each template (moving away from land, sea air). Also replace the Familiar at level 2 with a unique Tiny template that mimics a Familiar but which reverts back if it takes damage. Let this form communicate telepathically with a creature of the Druid's choice. Allows for Ranger/Rogue team-ups with the Druid for scout missions.
I think the base Druid should get four templates:
The Scout (tiny to small, inconspicuous animal, good stealth, no combat to speak of)
The Traveller (Ability to travel great distances, special movement modes like flight and swimming, subpar combat abilities but better than the Scout)
The Predator (Medium and up. Good damage and offense, skirmishing abilities)
The Defender (Large and up, slow speed compared to others, lots of HP and defensive features like horns or carapace)
And maybe you can slot in the ‘spend a Wildshape to summon a familiar’ option as a basic one..
Then as you level up you gain upgrades to those and the various Wildshape centric subclass could affect the different template. The Moon Druid could focus all of its upgrade on the Predator template. Especially granting the kind of abilities wolves get: pack tactic, knock down when attacking with advantage, multi attack and so forth. Maybe get a ‘Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing’ ability that lets you switch from Scout to Predator form as a bonus action or reaction without spending a new use of Wildshape! At later level you just turn into a big Spirit Wolf with magical moon marks or something.
Then you could have other variations, like my proposed bug themed druid who gets a new creepy template with wall climbing and webs or poison options. A more short-range controller type of form. And maybe the option to trade a Wildshape to summon a swarm!
The Elemental Druid and Plant Druid would also be possible.The Wildfire Druid and their powerful summon could also gain an elemental predator form, the Stone Druid would buff their Defender template, turning into incarnation of spirits of the Earth, and so forth. The Plant Druid’s new support template would let them become mighty trees with buffing abilities. Maybe their scout form would gain the ability to turn into plants at will to hide from detection.
I think this technique would lead to more thematic wildshapes while keeping them able to automatically scale with level and remain competitive picks. If you want your druid to turn into a bear from level 1 to the level 20, you can totally do it. And you don’t have to go through the Monster Manual or anything to find the best form.