The floating ASIs did not create the racial imbalance, it just shuffled around who was on where on the tier list.
That said humans need more than what we know they're getting so far and I'll fully admit to that. Once they get something nice it can be sent in part to the Half-Elf. I put out some decent proposals for human racials in another thread.
Shield Dwarf just needs one small thing aside from armor proficiency to differentiate it from Gold Dwarf in a meaningful way. To be honest, this is probably why One DnD wanted to get rid of sub-races. Dwarven Resilience really should be a trait all dwarves get. I don't see why it should be specific to dwarves who left the underground.
You weren't punished with subpar stat... you were challenged to overcome it. You know, like being a great druid despite your orcblood? Now it's all about min/maxing and anyone who doesn't want optimal stats for their characters gets laughed at.
Yes, that certainly has improved freedom of choice...
There is no challenge in having a 15 in your main stat over a 16. You just arbitrarily fail more often and there's nothing that can be done around it but wait until you can assign more ASIs there, which means you miss out on cool feats that could improve your character's individuality and foster a unique playstyle.
Also, what if I don't want my story to be about being a great druid DESPITE my orcblood? What if my character's story arc is about realizing they aren't the sum their parts, and that despite preconceptions they are just as capable of calm, rational thought as anyone else? What if I want my character to come to see their orcish ancestry not as a foul curse but as a source of strength that can make them a better druid?
Hard ASI restrictions by race cut down on the number of viable stories you can tell, they don't increase them.
