For anyone interested in checking some of these changes out a bunch of them are now on the PBE (in particular Q bug fixes, W AP ratio, R increased width, spread range and leash break range and a modified R particle to match its new width).

There are a couple of other things that should follow in a later patch at some point once we can sort some tech out (spread range indicator in particular).

Thanks for getting them out quickly ;p

As a way to buff Varus' passive you could add a small movement speed buff to it, which would fit into the 3 intentions for his passive pretty well.
In regards to Hail of arrows cast time why not just make it so the it keeps the cast time but doesn't stop him from auto-attacking. So you'd have no dps lose, but still have the animation telegraph. Now making the animation look smooth while he is casting hail of arrows and still auto-attacking might be a bit difficult.
For AP or Hybrid Varus I suppose it depends on if you want me to be attack speed Ap hybrid or what. Increasing Blighted quiver scaling enough on it's own could make an AP + on hit AS Varus usable. But without scaling AP scaling on either his Piercing Arrow or Hail of Arrows a AP+AD build wouldn't be the correct route. Along with the AP scaling on Chain of Corruption should be upped to between 1.3-1.5.
For myself I'd love to see him given changes to have AP sniper type build be fun and usable, though that'd require an AP ratio on Piercing Arrow along with like a 2-3 reduction in cooldown for it.

Meddler, what is your opinion on allowing Q to deal the damage from your lichbane proc? I personally think it would be nice to have if we are looking to make AP Varus more viable, seeing as his poke (Q) seems to be a defining factor about his kit for many players. Either that or add an AP ratio to his Q?

What about giving Varus a percent move speed buff when he last hits and a bigger one when he kills an enemy to complement his attack speed bonus passive? I think a move speed bonus would fit his theme of living vengeance and allow him to chase or survive team fights better than he does now.

@ Meddler: since we are discussing QoL changes for Varus, do you have any thoughts about changing his dance? I ask this in all seriousness. While I understand there are more important issues with Varus (and you are addressing those, thank you), his dance is TERRIBLE. It doesn't fit him, or his lore in any way whatsoever. I mean, the dude had to choose between saving his village, and following his oath... a dirty result regardless of his choice. Imagining him ballroom dancing with his bow at any point, for any reason, just doesn't cut it. Forsaken just don't (shouldn't) dance like they haven't a care in the world.

Thank you SO much for all your hard work on Varus. I have loved him since day 1 (except the dance), and can't wait to play the changes you've been working on.

I love varus he's still one of my favorite ad carries, I just wish he was more useful =(