Yes, ward range was increased at the same time they reduced BP ready time. I believe it was 10 yalms before, now more like 15 or possibly even higher. Not sure about favor range.
So there's a new Job Point category called Blood Pact Damage. It says each upgrade increases BP damage by 3. I'm hoping that's a percentage and not flat damage, but I wondered if anyone could confirm which it is.
Maybe I didn't read the first few pages well enough, but I don't see a blood-pact delay (minus) set listed? What's the lowest you can get BP timer down time? How much gear is needed?