I think it is Mongoose that publishes a feat like "greater weapon finess" that allows you to apply your dex bonus to damage. It completes the switch of strength to dex. I don't like the feat, but there it is.
Some PrC follow the medium 1-handed weapon concept pretty well, like duelist or bladesinger. I like the disarm/defect arrows ideas as well. Do abilities such as rope charge require a hand free? Personally, I think an open second hand should be a harder style to master, so it belongs in a PrC. If you prefer, you could take improved unarmed strike and TWF. That opens both the TWF and open handed styles.
Finesse in 3.5 seems focused on PrCs, sneak attacks, and TWF. I don't think finesse is about doing as much damage as your greatsword wielding pal. You can have the AC and initive to hit first and outlast your opponent. Greatsword goes down in a blaze of glory while you have mobility and defence. Seems a fair tradeoff.
Some PrC follow the medium 1-handed weapon concept pretty well, like duelist or bladesinger. I like the disarm/defect arrows ideas as well. Do abilities such as rope charge require a hand free? Personally, I think an open second hand should be a harder style to master, so it belongs in a PrC. If you prefer, you could take improved unarmed strike and TWF. That opens both the TWF and open handed styles.
Finesse in 3.5 seems focused on PrCs, sneak attacks, and TWF. I don't think finesse is about doing as much damage as your greatsword wielding pal. You can have the AC and initive to hit first and outlast your opponent. Greatsword goes down in a blaze of glory while you have mobility and defence. Seems a fair tradeoff.