The role of a ranger

[Troxx]

Ranger dps is more comparable to warrior rather than monk or rogue. Played well their spells add quite a but of utility that either could be critically useful, disappointingly redundant, or frankly not needed. Outdoor zones/dungeons they are great pullers. Indoor their snare has the potential to be a life saver if no other class can. They have some marginal buffs that might be useful if nobody else can do it. 56+ they can cast regen if nobody else can do it. Heals aren't potent but they've got them and there are situations it could minimize downtime.

Rangers.

-Well rounded class.
-Lots to bring to the table but redundancy depending on group composition
-consistent dps, but less than monk, rogue, mage, necro, ench
-comparable dps to warrior (better or worse depending on gear)
-Fairly self sufficient
-worth having around if played well
-not worth the spot if played poorly
-no longer has nasty xp penalty