Returning from a long absence from WoW, for me at the very least, I have arrived with something that is flumixing my brain.
While looking back at our weapons and given some complaints about variable weapons or aesthetics I thought wasn't the Wrath model better? Yes I agree this is probably pointless but give me a shot. Given stripping away the core stat, ie. either Strength or Agility, and leaving the same Stamina and the correct amount of Attack Power. The Strength and Agility could even be replaced with gems and the Attack power left alone, by rather adding a socket with a special vendor (maybe crafted) bought item with the correct amount of the given stat. Keep the attack speeds the same as they currently are, with most of them already homogenized 1.8 and 2.4 making this easier, and use my given advice.
This would allow for all melee weapon users use any weapon allowing more choices, are you a Human wasting that racial because the BiS is an Axe? Fear no more!, since all weapon types can be catered to and used. The loot table can have more chances at giving you an item you can use. There can be a faster turn around resulting in maybe more made or better artwork, or both , making pretty much everyone happy.
Thoughts? Would you rather see this?
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Adding this given most people won't bother to read down. If you can't be bothered just smile and wave.
Let's try and touch up on some of the points you came up with.
Needing gems for a new weapon. In the current state we do this for anything from Armour to Weapons. Got a new chest? Should first go get it gemmed, enchanted and then reforged. This wouldn't even add a new step. You can even keep extra gems for when one drops.
Ease to change to the system Leamonparty like. Well that is pretty hard to agree with. You would end up with a new rule for melee classes. Some would have them and others would ignore the change. Why should a Monk or Druid need 1 less item/enchant/reforge/trangmog just because you spend your time not poking people with it. Monks do use their weapons on some moves. Also by that logic pretty much every Druid shouldn't bother with having Armour since they will be in a form of some sort. Yes it is a bit over the top but the logic you applies to the weapons applies there too. Finally it would require changing the scaling of every move they have on offer and that is was more work that removing a stat on the current tier of weapons and adding a vendor. They can reuse a model and gem design and be done with it.
Calling them stat sticks. I called them that because at the end of the day that is what everything in wow can be reduced to. A spreadsheet. Most of the time is our spreadsheet better than theirs. It's rather moot. Also it is a stat stick to a Warrior in the same way. It usually matters little if it is a Mace or Axe. Is it better? If yes then use it.
Their weapons are like relics used to be. Not really true. Relics and the such used to be awesome. They had actual relevance to the spec you played as and could change the priority system you use. At the end of ICC Divine Strorm climbed higher because of the stat buff you got from the relic when using the ability.
So if anyone else wants to join in feel free.