Didn't mention belt because hunters are usually half of the belt groups, making it a neutral mechanic.
Melee have it very slightly harder for Whirling, but that's offset by not having to deal with Amber or Death From Above.
I get where you're coming from, but I played a melee all through last tier and an alt through this one, most fights are boring. Maximizing damage is harder as melee sure, but mechanics themselves? Usually a snorefest.
Pretty sure it's this way by design too - if a fight is too hard for melee (or causes too much dps loss) you just sit all your melee.