What about reducing the weapon proficiency groups from 4 to 3? That would restrict the class just slightly more without needing to change things around too greatly.
But that just weakens it more. (fewer feat selections) I kind of liked one of your other ideas.... have feat paths, where the feats are pre-determined, but more powerful. Or perhaps they come with other abilities. Like synergy bonuses and such. Perhaps having a Greater Path and Lesser Path... something like that.
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(I know what I am thinking, but I am not getting it across very well...