So, what's with the lack of Machinist in DF?

[Aethaeryn]

I think it'd be a somewhat neat idea to replace the % chance with positionals or something.

I'd rather do positionals as a ranged than deal with RNG, don't know about others.

Please, no. There are three melee jobs everyone can play if they really need a positional fix. I can't play those jobs for extended periods of time because I have wrist problems. Ninja used to be my favorite job ever until they added armor crush and the positional on aeolian edge. I can only play monk for an hour or two before I have to stop for the day.

That being said, I wouldn't mind if they add another ranged job that has them, but it'd have to be something like scoundrel on SWTOR where a majority of its attacks are close range. Positionals from a distance would be annoying at best, especially if the target ever turns around for an attack or has to be moved.