The most significant change is that Plague now uses 3 socketed swords instead of D2R Items general weapons. Another change is the addition of -1 in All Skills, and the deletion of +strength, since Fal cannot be in use. In addition, enhanced damage was added this is a significant bonus for raw damage. Other stats are the same.
Plague was odd at beginning, but it also had it's uses, possibly even for casters. YouTuber Drunski125 explains that Plague's limitation to swords alone is an error.
"If you could it in the form of scepters. For example, imagine the 3-point Fist of Heaven scepter that you roll Plague into, and gives the player a cleansing aura, as well as an additional skill point. This is another incentive to use something other than Hoto. Let's suppose that for a scepter you get +3 light sentry, or 3 death sentry claw. it is possible to buy D2R ladder items roll Plague, get +4 to traps, cleansing aura, and get a second reason to play with something other than Hoto. "Blizzard is yet to announce the date Diablo 2 Resurrect's v2.4 is due to be released.