The planet destiny review trys to sum up your questions. (The reviewer sounds like a strapping young lad btw) As far as the people saying "it's for people who can't go flawless" I have all trials weapons (when I say all, I mean all specials, all heavy , and all 12 of the primary weapons) with each damage for each of the primaries. I am a messenger fan. It wins in pve, no doubt, because of its arc, solar, or void burn. The video states this, as well as range being the only stat that the messenger has over the hopscotch. The hopscotch is popular because the base mag, reload, aim assistance, equip speed, and stability are better on the hopscotch pilgrim. You can also reroll it. With what we just learned, if you roll third eye and headseeker (like the messenger ). I think you just might have a better gun. A perk like small bore in the mid tier will drop the mag to 27 and will add more range. You can also max out the stabiity to 100%. Perfect balance on the Messenger/added sight will have a maximum of 93 stability. Believe it or not, that extra 7 makes a world of difference. There will always be a debate between the two. You just have to see what you find value in - CoolGuy