methodsandmaterials - I hope you are right that the word daraba does not mean 'to strike', however, I feel I should point out that a word having numerous other meanings does not preclude a basic meaning. Even in English, the verb 'to hit' (to use a similar meaning) can mean different things in different contexts - hit the road for example, or hit the jackpot or even be a hit with someone. However, we are all capable of understanding the meaning in the different contexts, and there is no doubt in anyone's mind that hit your wife means that quite literally.
If it were just a case of mistranslation into English, you might have a point, but I have checked the translation into other languages, and the meaning remains the same. Are all these translators making exactly the same mistake in all these different languages in exactly the same place in the Quran? Why should that be the case when they seem quite capable of making accurate translations elsewhere?
Still, as far as I can see, the relevant passage is still blantantly misogynist, even if it is not advising striking women - stating that men are in charge of women and excel them is hardly woman-friendly. Where is the passage in the Quran advising women on what they should do when they are ill-treated (to use your proposed translation)?
Finally, I think the argument about the complexity of the Arabic language is nonsense. Every language has its complexities, and there are always ways to translate them, even if you really have to spell it out. In English, which is actually a very rich lanaguage, full of its own complexities and nuances and plenty of vocabulary, deriving as it does from so many linguistic sources, there is actually plenty of scope for translating well and accurately.