Why has DDO strayed away from the melee playstyle?

[Thatguy234]

What happened to the days when we could run raids or epics where the melee characters were featured? It would seem to me, making a good melee is more difficult and gear heavy compared to your ranged and casting types.

What does it say about the games shift of playstyle from smashing and fighting your enemy directly and in their face as opposed to the hit and run playstyle that comes from ranging and casting?

Should the game cater to those that are willing to stand strong, and fight, or play a support role from the back?

[Lonnbeimnech]

What happened to the days when we could run raids or epics where the melee characters were featured?

People got tired of declined from groups because 'we already have a hastebot'

It would seem to me, making a good melee is more difficult and gear heavy compared to your ranged and casting types.

It still is.

What does it say about the games shift of playstyle from smashing and fighting your enemy directly and in their face as opposed to the hit and run playstyle that comes from ranging and casting?

mostly that when mobs hit for 300 damage on a non crit, it's best not to get hit.

Should the game cater to those that are willing to stand strong, and fight, or play a support role from the back?

o.0 those 'support' builds, don't support, they solo.