Any insight from you vets greatly appreciated

[FlipisWin]

Hi guys, was really hoping to gain some education from you vets. I have played eq on and off for years but never could really settle on a class and make it to the raid scene. That said I have knowledge of EQ, just not nearly as much as most of you guys.

That said, I logged in last night and piddled around for a bit being indecisive as ever. I always avoided ranger because everyone says they are dumpster tier/ lawn ornaments. The class seems pretty cool, chain wearing, I love the concept of DW and 2h dps. Spell kit to keep things from getting to boring. etc.

I like monks, but I hate weight restriction. And kind of sad that some of their disc are broke.
I like all plate classes cause I like how plate looks, and melee in general. Just wish I could dps, I consider a tank to be a very responsible roll. And I have ALOT to learn.
Rogues, seem like it would be boring quick with just backstab. and god forbid I cant find a group.

So long, drawn out story short, I guess what I am trying to ask is are rangers really as bad as ppl make them out to be? Am I misjudging other classes?
Any help from you guys would be greatly appreciated. I love the game and want to enjoy it, just cant seem to find where i fit in.