Yes they are, mostly to do with not having to move. Melee's are in a big bind having to move. The Phoenix Jump helps that (and is infact, pretty much a requirement for them to have any use. Nothing says "melee" than "teleporting all over the field", doesn't it?) but it still costs you AP to move all over the field a ranger can just use to unleash death. Add that the ranger has a few 1AP skills whereas all melee are 2AP for some reason (not even to mention some 1AP mage spells) and you easily skift over the melee'ers. It's very noticable on enemy melee's, who are just complete pushovers and primarily have to rely on grenades to even DO anything.
