4. The ranger gets improved species enemy abilities (starting at 1st level), more skill points, track while running, "wild empathy" ability (again at 1st level)... and at 2nd level gets to choose his "combat style" (two-weapon and archery only).
I've heard enough.
This change has made up my mind. Instead of being shoehorned into two weapon fighting, the ranger gets shoe horned into either two weapon fighting OR archery style. I was willing to give WOTC the benefit of the doubt, but since theyn still haven't been able to come up with a decent ranger class, I refuse to purchase 3.5 E. I may download the SRD, but they have gotten all my money they are going to get.
A ranger is not defined by his fighting style. Every other class can fight however they want - be it twf, archery, weapon and shield, single weapon style, unarmed, or two handed weapon style. The ranger has to use twf or archery or waste half his class abilities. There is no room for a ranger who fights with a single weapon only, or a two handed weapon.
I'm sure there are those who would say there is no reason why a ranger can't choose that style, but you'd as soon play a mage with a 10 intelligence as a ranger with feats he doesn't use. I.E., it ain't gonna happen. So, even though my piddly little dollar doesn't amount to crap, WOTC will not see any more of them.