Ok, so some people are not happy with the new Wild Shape/Beast Shape/Elemental Body fix for Druids. I have an alternate idea, not sure if it was brought up during the beta, and wanted to see if others like it.
Why can't Wild Shape function more like the way the polymorph spell originally worked, but instead of an unlimited amount of creatures to change into, only a limited subset, for example, only animals that the druid has had close interaction with or only a specific number of animal forms.
Using the first restriction, a druid gaining wild shape for the first time would be limited to the scope of animals they've come into close contact with in the game world. This could be broad or narrow, depending on the DM and the type of campaign.
Using the second restriction, let's say the first time a druid gains wild shape (lvl 4), he's allowed 3 different animal forms. For argument's sake, lets say he takes Eagle, dog, and alligator to gain the benefits of flight, subterfuge, and swim. This restriction makes the animal forms chosen VERY important decisions. I'd say using this, a druid should gain an additional form each time they get another use of Wild Shape. This also provides for a little more variation between different styles of druid.
Just tossing around some ideas...