1- each race has pros and cons to it, if you want them to be a felar you will be disappointed. If you take the things about saurians that make them unique, you may find them more interesting. Their stat spread offers some unique upsides that felars lack and their res/vuln is also something that shouldn't be scoffed at.

2- Can't really answer on this because I don't fully know what it does.

3- game balance mostly. also, there are tons of ways to make an Outlander hunter... like a non saurian ranger as a really simple example

4- this statement is just factually inaccurate. One huge difference that isnt even hidden is the fact they can utilize a real dual wield. If you're fixated on JUST the fact that both races have a 17 strength then youre going to miss everything else.