Cleave and Great Cleave require the enemies to be standing next to each other, something that becomes less common as you go up levels. Part of this is due to the number of large creatures you run into... The advice usually given here is to take Cleave early, and train it out at 4th (Fighter retraining specs the level, but it emphasizes the Cleave is drop-able that early.).
By 7th level I would also consider retraining Toughness.
Improved Initiative is always a plus.
Combat Reflexes are also usefull when you you run into numerous smaller foes, vs one Boss.
Nimble Moves and Acrobatic Steps allow you to move through 5', then another 15' of difficult terrain as if it were normal (Dex requirements of 13/15, I think).
Boon Companion? Do you have an animal companion? Can you combine Ride By Attack with Vital Strike?
Lunge?
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Blind-Fight is an underappreciated but incredibly useful feat, giving you two shots at any enemy with Blur, Displacement, Invisibility, or other source of concealment, plus protection from melee sneak attacks from invisible opponents.
It's great to focus on your DPR, but don't forget defenses too.
I am creating a vital strike focused ranger character for PFS. The feats below are what I have planned through to 11th level. The 7th level character feat is still open. Any suggestions?
toughness
power attack
weapon focus greatsword
furious focus
iron will
vital strike
devastating strike
improved vital strike
improved critical greatsword
<Vader> I find your lack of Extra Rage disturbing. </Vader>
Toughness? ...Rage gives you more hitpoints.
Iron Will? ...Rage gives you the same bonus to will saves.
Weapon Focus? ...Rage gives you a bigger bonus, with any melee weapon.
Furious Focus? ...Rage gives you a bonus to every attack.
Power Attack? ...Rage is superior until you're so pumped you almost never miss even with iteratives.
If you are nearly 100% focused on delivering damage, then you might as well hit the nitrous out of the chute with a single dip out and save on several feats.
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What archetype is this ranger? What is your animal, and how do you intend to use it? Ride it? Flank-buddy? ...What do you do when no enemies are nearby? Why not have a bow and Quick Draw to get it out lickitysplit when you drop an opponent with a melee weapon and there's another target twenty feet away? Rapid Shot, Manyshot, and Improved Precise Shot without prereqs is some of the best oh-hell-yes in the game. If your dexterity is decent enough for archery, why not Combat Reflexes and get AoOs with a polearm instead of a 5' weapon?
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I would recommend against firearms if you're not going to take levels of gunslinger. Way too much feat investment to make them worthwhile.
Gravity bow and lead blades are lv1 spells, meaning you can pick up a wand for cheap and pump up UMD. Same with enlarge person. Or you can invest in oils/potions.
I second the notion of getting rage. 4 levels of Abyssal bloodrager gives you enlarge person anytime you rage, plus the ability to use infernal healing. Since you don't need claws you can give up that rage power for a familiar (source: familiar folio) and those are just so dang useful. Get an Impact weapon and you don't even need lead blades anymore.