They are trash. On Phoenix they weren't to bad. Rangers are the same boat. So much to sticking to live as much as possible. If they start doing well in groups such as a stealth group, you probably can expect something to be nerfed to compensate.

Not fixed. I am currently having the same issue

I didn't play the first one but I played phoenix and original DAOC, this play is empty of mobs. I used to enjoy finding a spot to get a few levels. Just isn't possible with the low amount of mobs and slow spawn times. Its one of my few complaints.