I have yet to try and play with special arrows, indeed, even if I have been playing rangers only since the alpha started. I really never needed it.
However it's true that, during the very first alpha stages, I was just a spectator during the fights, since I had nothing to do, was inflicting non-existent damage, and overall it wasn't fun at all.
Then came abilities like Charm, Silence, arrow spray, which gave a little more purpose to rangers. Some balancing came too, and I think during the tale alpha stages, the ranger was in a good place. I even used some special arrows, mostly the explosives one. With the first beta build, though, there is now the infamous Arrow Spray Is Overpowered stuff. On the other hand, I've started using Water arrows a lot to... Extinguish fires. They proved quite useful in the charred area, to weaken and wet those pesky burned skeletons, especially the Twins Joined In Fire.
Also, do not forget the Way of the Ranger rank 5, which gives you a chance to not consume your special arrows stock. Arguably, I'd maybe boost the percentage a bit, or even give a talent that can only be bought at later levels that would give 100% arrow recovery.
Still, the issue right now is that those arrows are not needed. Just try raistlin on your archer, and you will be able to do so much in a single turn that it's almost indecent. Up to the point you can shoot twice per turn with a crossbow even with the +1ap per ranged skill buff active. And crossbows hurt. Really.
