You're right. That was really a problem with vertical progression and patch "fixes" post BWL too though, not necessarily the hunter itself.

Even so, Hunters did provide TSA to their group, which puts them in a buffer/hybrid category, not only that but they don't even have to renew it or twist it like a shaman would with totems.

They shouldn't be top dps because they're not a pure dps role. They had advantages over melee dps in that they weren't susceptable to cleave attacks and high mobility fights, they could kite effectively removing a mob from the encounter, they provided TSA as a group buff and reasonable dps which places them above Moonkin, ret paladins and Enh Shaman.

People need to stop worrying about the fucking dps charts, leave that shit for retail.