A consideration is that AC17 makes sense if fighting one monster at level 8 (although it can still be on the high end), it makes far less sense when fighting more than one monster due each being of a lower CR. The effect of SS/GWM is far stronger on lower AC, while ranged extra attacks also have multiple enemy potential.

For a ranged level 8 Fighter (standard XBE/SS, probably also 20 Dex still thanks to the extra ASI and VH/CL choice) the extra survivability over melee is great. If going against lower AC targets or Advantage is obtained from some source (we shouldn't just be thinking about being solo) then the damage is also comparable, or better when accounting for rounds where the melee is not able to attack (possibly because their dead, but maybe they just can't reach - especially if talking about multiple enemies).

Meanwhile, ranged Rogue can't add Shadow Blade and/or Booming Blade - but ranged Fighter still has XBE/SS.