What should the 2024 Ranger’s damage output look like?

The damage output for Rangers seems to be a hot topic, and as a Ranger enthusiast, I have to ask: What should the 2024 Ranger’s damage output look like?

From what I’ve seen in various discussions and videos, Ranger damage—especially at higher levels—tends to be viewed as underwhelming. Meanwhile, the other half-caster, the Paladin, doesn’t seem to face this issue. Their damage output is consistently strong throughout their levels, while Rangers often get criticized for falling behind.

That said, I think Rangers have their own advantages that Paladins don’t. For example:

• Hunter’s Mark lasts up to an hour with just one spell slot, while Paladins must spend a spell slot every time they want to smite. Paladins often burn through their spell slots quickly, but Rangers have more freedom to use theirs elsewhere.
• Hunter’s Mark works with any weapon attack, whether melee or ranged, while Divine Smite is limited to melee attacks. Range, in my experience, is one of the best ways to avoid taking damage altogether, whereas Paladins are stuck on the frontlines.

Of course, there are more nuances to this debate, but are these advantages not enough to give Rangers a meaningful edge, even if their raw damage output isn’t as high as the Paladin’s?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what do you think the ideal damage output for a Ranger should look like in the 2024 update?