Thinking of making a ranger

[Roth]

This would be an alt but my main is only 36 so I don't have great means to twink or anything. I could gear this alt with some banded and decent starter weapons and maybe an alright bow. I know this class is considered "bad" so I need some clarification on some things. So, I have a few possible ideas on how to build this class but need some input:

Max dex and solo with only my bow... is this effective? I think this would be fun, maybe roll a half elf and just max dex and go for it. Has anyone tried this? My concern is I would be terrible in groups... but is bow dps viable? At level 60 and mid game can you do good bow dps if you max dex or is it significantly behind meelee?

Next option would be to just max ac and get no stats, basically full crafted or maybe truesilver armor from kaesora. This would make things fairly easy I think. I could tank for groups and be able to go head to head with mobs. But I wouldn't really be maximizing my potential in groups if im not tanking.

Third option would be to max strength and try to play the class "correctly", be great melee dps and throw out heals and utility with whatever mana I have available to me. I do this sometimes with my shaman and I think it would be fun to play this style on my ranger, using all my excess mana for heals or snares or some other useful ability. This would be sort of about maximizing my group potential.

Thoughts on all these? I also have a couple more questions: At 60 are rangers wanted for raids for reasons besides track? Even if it's just to collect ranger loot that's fine, I just want to know if somehow I get through all the bs and make it to 60 I'll be able to do something. Secondly, in raids do rangers ever use their bow to dps or is it only gonna be meeleing? You can also mention post velious since I know of the trueshot discipline vaguely. Lastly, I know rangers are not "wanted" in sebilis and other high end zones. But do they get groups? I mean, would someone accept a ranger into their party or is it basically no way in hell can you get a group?

This character will likely never hit 60 but I like the idea of playing a character I know is not pointless. Any input or opinions is appreciated. I don't care if the class is not good, I just want to know if it is even remotely viable in any situation.