Mostly just moving the mound back 5 more feet would make the game more interesting. That and better analytics to show bunting is wasting an out. Do more hit and runs or allow runners to steal when the pitchers start their lunge forward in the windup and slightly before the ball Leaves their hand. Also re-entry of pitchers should not be allowed unless they stayed in the lineup and on the field after they were taken out.
I think part of the problem with softball (if it has one) is shared (based on the folks at PTI) with baseball - it is an age of home run hitting. There were several games this season where Arizona lost because of a lack of timely hitting - but we hit the 2nd most home runs in the country and have the individual leader. Even allowing that balls travel well here, we hit plenty on the road, as well.
Also, the change in rule regarding slapping - no portion of the foot outside the box when contact is made - has also had a factor.
Arizona's field is made of concrete (just joking). But it is (intentionally) hard, because in addition to power Arizona made a living with slapping and small ball for years.
I doubt you'll see a change to softball's substitution rules, because I doubt they would single out a pitcher as unable to return when everyone else can. Given the roster size and lack of depth at most schools, enabling a starter to come out once and return makes sense and even livens up a game. Plus you have the whole DP and flex stuff to deal with. And as to leading off - in the way you suggest - probably too difficult to enforce.
But I do agree that some games are just snoozers. Also, they have been taking longer postseason than they seemed to in season.
