I had the same experience while leveling two Rangers to 60 on P99. Post 50 turns into more of a go /anon and send tells to form your own groups, hoping no one realizes you're a Ranger until they all arrive and it's too late!

Having said that, if I had to do it all over again a third time I definitely would. The class is extremely fun to play and the sense of accomplishment after trudging through the mud of discrimination was well worth it... both times!

silly question, but do melee weapon procs go off during ranged attacks? ie, using the root proc staff fo some mana-free kiting?

Procs only work when the weapon is being used.

And ONLY Ranged Item, ergo, Arrow, Crits on a Ranger, Not their weapons. Only a Warrior can Crit weapons. :D