Let me preface this with saying that I am NOT complaining, just a little surprised.

Did anyone else find it odd that the Eldar (greatest and noblest of the races) received as their close combat weapon the Mael Dannen as opposed to say, a Scorpions Claw? Again, while this is perfectly ok with the lore, the other (lesser) races received their power fist equivalent. In the lore, while the Dire Avenger Exarch can carry this blade to lend chopping power to the unit, Dire Avengers are really the small arms fire power of the Eldar.

I know that most notable and glorious of races, the Eldar, have not been added and really worked on, and that the claw may very well make an appearance before this even happens. That said, in a game such as this, one would think (at least this particular one) that one of the main Eldar melee classes (Striking Scorpions or Howling Banshee) would be the first to be geared up with a specialized melee weapon. It just seemed strange to me. Anyone else?

Again, not complaining! If it reads that way, just take solace in that you are probably a Mon Keigh and the subtlety was lost in translation.

I want to start with that I dont know Eldar lore that well, so keep that in mind. ^^

The reason I think the Eldars did not get a Fist/Claw weapons is that the Eldar version of the Fist/Claw is the Scorpion Claw, which is what I know restricted to the Aspect of the Scorpions. While Power Fists and Power Claws can be seen on Sergants, Commanders etc.
The only Non-Scorpion Eldar warriors that might use the claw how I see are the Autarch since they are trained in more then one Aspect.

Well, Brent did say they still arent ingame, which eludes to them actually being ingame at one point.
I wouldnt worry about it, im sure they will be in since they actually mentioned them.

So the answer is to make a sword that is limited to a primarily ranged aspect?

EDIT: You are correct with what you said and all, but I just wouldn't see it as enough reason for this

But dire swords are also restricted, just Dire Avengers exarchs can use it, every single eldar weapon is restricted to one aspect, the only exception will be the shuriken pistols used by 2 aspects and warlocks.

If we don't have a scorpion claw is probably because the weapon won't be available at launch.

The last updates have given some variety in the releases. They seem like they're trying to show how each race is different. The other three got the slow and powerful weapons while Eldar got the faster, more graceful weapon.

Here might be an insight on this.

Way back when Dire avengers were made to be the largest of all the aspect warriors. With the others being more a specialist group and smaller amounts of members. To the point that in some of the earlier editions of the game DA's were troop choices without the need of special character or craftworld origins to make then that.
So this would lead to the Dire Sword being more common then the other aspects.

@OP I totally agree, but want to add that the Diresword really looks elegant.

Maybe they want to show people who are new to the game the differences off the Races. And while even the Powerclaw of the Scorpions is wielded with great grace compared to the bruthish ways of the lesser Races, the more Swift and elegant Diresword that STILL has a chance to instakill is a good representation of our inate elegance and Power.

Still would have expected a Scorpionclaw^^

The SS blade (Dragon's Tooth) was the first Founder exclusive weapon added for the Eldar don't forget.

I do think it's strange that Ivan added a 2nd DA weapon ahead of the Banshee, especially seeings they have a lot more ground to cover with the Eldar RTS than the other factions (7 classes to 4).

Quick count including Relic Duo that would be: W(Relic), FD, DR, SS, HB, DA(x2+Relic!), SH. You gotta respect the screaming amazons

This is actually still the case ^^
Dire Avengers are mentioned to be the most numerous aspect, and they are one of the four (five if you count storm guardians separate) troop choices in the latest codex from 6th edition. And they are the only aspect warrior to be that, since all others are either elite, fast attack or heavy support.