Yeah the thorn definitely has a BIG learning curve and even then it definitely falls short of other HC's except in the crucible. It kicks like a mule (i cant give up my range perk, its just too good) has 6 rounds and a long reload even with speed gloves. (Its ok on my hunter with reload speed buffs, but that's it) PVE wise it needs some love and now that they nerfed the DOT it needs some PVP love. I tried it out in the vault and it worked ok until the oracles came, the reload speed is just too long to be effective. I think it would be cool to have increased reload speed when a DOT is applied and/or targets with the DOT take increased damage.