So, I understand and I am okay with committing to an advanced class. HOWEVER, while my Smuggler and Imperial Agent were left mostly untouched, the Bounty Hunter was completely overhauled. I didn't even realize class changes had happened until I logged her in and discovered 90% of my skills had disappeared. My best skill is now exclusive to the advanced class I DIDN'T choose, and the "equivalent" given me in its place is not even close to having the same effectiveness. I feel like there should be a short time period after such a major overhaul to be allowed to change advanced classes to established characters. Some of the changes I like, but for the most part, I don't like this new set of skills that I'm now just stuck with, and I am too far in to start over. What gives?

Welcome to the world of MMO's. Classes change and get nerfed/buffed. It's a cycle. It would help if you specified what AC of BH you are. You just gotta adjust when the class you play drastically changes.