My thoughts exactly, and in order of priority also. Number one, let us do no fill; for God's sake, who wants clunky bots on their team in a practice mode stealing lot and kills!!!
Next, let us change the bot difficulty, and have an extremely challenging setting that reflects the skill level of actual players you would come across in game. Call of Duties veterian bots are actually difficult to play against, and reflect the skill level of challenging players you come across in game.
Also, being able to explore more maps would be a nice option; especially for new players, myself being one.
I think a bot mode that is as well done as the firing range - being able to select and modifiy the dummines dynamics as at present - would greatly increase the draw and retention for new players to come to the game. The only reason I decided to give Apex a try was because I heard there was a bot mode. But after a few rounds, I can see it isn't very useful at all. If this mode was brought up to the quality of the firing range, I would be more inclined to put my energy into getting good at the game.
I have come over from Fortnite, where we have the privilage to access a wealth of high quality practice modes via Creative. I wanted to try an fps, and am blown away by how smooth and awesome Apex feels to play.
If Apex had a better way for new players, and seasoned players alike, to develop their skills, I believe this would increase the player base and retention. Please EA, step up and make some changes. Your game is falling behind the competition but it should be number one. It is the most smooth, fluid and response shooter game I have played.