Just a small remark: the 3.0 Ranger did have a pet, starting at 4th level. If wasn't written then explicitly in the class progression chart, but it could be obtained by casting the Animal Friendship spell.
I actually wonder how many people wouldn't like the beast companion to be a base feature. If we took a survey, how would it turn out?
I randomly rolled monster types and them followed the Monster Manual flavor to make that example.The key word there being 'could'. If you construct the example, of course it's going to show the problem. It doesn't mean it's inevitable though.
1) Animal companions does not equal nature guardian. Or are dog companions suddenly all about the wilderness? 2) I didn't ask about necessary, I asked about popular.I don't see it as necessary. TBH, I don't even see why the ranger has to be tied with nature or be its guardian: isn't that the druid's role?
In short, to you a Ranger is nothing more than a Fighter subclass. That doesn't help make an actual Ranger class,however.To me a ranger is a ''light fighter'' specialized in ambushes and hit-and-run tactics. They are also scouts and know how to move in, or have particular knowledge, of their terrains of choices, can easily follow tracks and chase, and can specialize into hunting a chosen set of creatures. In short, I see rangers more as specialized fighter-assassins, skilled in tracking/exploration/ambushes.
2) I didn't ask about necessary, I was curious if a major playtest survey on having animal companions as a core feature would be massively popular.
1) Animal companions does not equal nature guardian. Or are dog companions suddenly all about the wilderness?
[...] 3) Nature magic does have a strong historic tie to the class, so excising it entirely is not really viable [...]
In short, to you a Ranger is nothing more than a Fighter subclass. That doesn't help make an actual Ranger class, however.
Its like the decision for the Bard. Being tied to half- or two-thrids-casting was poisonous for the long term health and viability of the class. And yet, people complained about the change over. Is this view detracting from what the Ranger could be?
3e, magic is overpowered and monster have it at low levels now.
The 3e ranger gets magic early, has weak damage bonuses, gets a companion to flank, and is best played with a half dozen magic wands in his bag.