I disagree. You can’t remove anything low level from Hex without making it basically require blade pact, which should never be the case.
Sure, but it will still have to give you the ability to fight effectively with weapons as a warlock, so I’m just not convinced there actually is 70% to work with. More like 20%, at most, IMO.
I don’t think blade pact should give a bunch of proficiencies, or a special curse, and I don’t think the Hexblade can rely on blade pact to attack and damage with Cha, or to be able to stand in front and take hits.
Okay, maybe Hexblade without Blade Pact could attack with Dex or strength like everyone else, but then ppl will just cry that it’s MAD.
If we can find a way around these issues, then sure I’d love to see He blade lean into the curse mechanic (I’d prefer it be worded so that any “curse”, such as the hex or bane spells, gain the hexblade’s curse rider), and the wraith thing, and gaining THP or regaining HP when a cursed enemy dies, etc.
But I’d also love to see the entire class lean harder into the curse concept, with each Pact having its own twist on the curse, Hex be part of that class feature, and you are always hitting harder in some way against the creature you’ve cursed.