Ranged Weaponskills, Do we really need to "engage"?

[Capn]

I'm not really sure how to approach this question/request/thought.

I think it's just a strange proposition that in order to use a ranged weaponskill, I have to pull out my melee weapon. I realize that if SE were to make it so ranged weaponskills didn't have to engage to fire would effect, to a certain extent, claiming of monsters. Although it's not a game breaking thing, it's just bothered me for a long time that this is required.

I'm not really sure how I feel about the repercussions of that. I.E. camping an old school pop NM, to be outclaimed by a ranged WS firing off instantly (since sniper shot can go off from a longer distance than shadowbind and quick draw).

I just feel that it's not really necessary to shoot for TP, then pull out my weapon (Dagger, sword, staff, whatever it is) fire off my WS, then repeat on the next monster.

I'm sure both Rangers and Corsairs alike would agree that it is somewhat a silly thing to go through if you're shooting for TP.

What do you guys think? Would it be fair if ranged WS got the ability to be used without engaging the monster?

[Greatguardian]

I'd wager it has less to do with practicality and more to do with the Battle system. Weaponskills most likely cannot be used unless the character is in Battle Mode, whether they're Ranged or not.

[Malamasala]

Should be easy to fix if they could make battle music function without being in battle mode.