Here are my suggested changes to bring ranged back to an even risk/reward relationship to melee, that allows player choice to build a ranged character of similar damage potential as a melee character. I welcome input.
1. Any enemy in melee combat has partial cover, regardless of the direction of your attack.
2. Ranged weapons enjoy a Dex bonus to attack, but a strength bonus to damage. Masterwork bows and crossbows are required that allow a character's strength bonus to apply.
3. The Sharpshooter feat allows players to add their Dex bonus to damage in lieu of strength (instead of providing the -5/+10 damage modifier).
These changes allows a rogue or fighter to build for competitive ranged damage (similar to melee, greater than cantrips), but their damage is progressing as they level up by selecting the feat. Sharpshooter ignores partial cover, plus they can do similar damage that they can do with their sword, but switch targets and have less risk.
This setup allows for players to make interesting choices that change their overall playstyle while having clear tradeoffs. This choice is replacing a potential ABI, or other feat options.
Please discuss.