The graphs Bungie provided tell the whole story. True weapon balance is achieved when every gun of the same tier is used in equal amounts across the player base. That indicates the long game is balanced with the short game, the pulse rifle strength is balanced with the shotgun strength, and the hand cannons are balanced with the sniper rifles. If one category is overused (Thorn/Gjallarhorn in particular as evidenced by hard data), it needs to be toned down or everything else needs brought up. Bungie has a ttk in mind. Bungie has a PvE difficulty in mind. All they are doing is bringing reality into line with their goals. Guys and gals, they listed their goals with every weapon type. If a weapon is under or over performing from that goal, you should expect a rebalance. Anyone who didn't see a Gjallarhorn or Thorn or shotgun range rebalance coming is lying or ignorant. You see these guns EVERY GAME. That is an indication of an issue. Bungie wants every play type to be viable. If the Suros gets beat by the Thorn 95% of the time access all ranges, they are not balanced! Don't worry, if you were good at PVP before, you'll be just as good now. If you were bad before, you will be just as bad now. What matters is you find YOUR play style, whatever it is you enjoy, and understand that the game developers are doing their best to make it viable. Thank you for that, Bungie. Seriously. As for the black hammer, yes I'm sad to see it dropped down a peg. It was my favourite strike weapon outside of Gjallarhorn. But in all honesty, if I'm holding 18+ rounds with it, I'm not worried about running out if ammo in any part I make use of it (Taaaa'aaaaaa, Phogoth, Archon Priest, and walkers primarily) for burning. Not having to reload means its dps isn't changing if you have the ammo, which is what makes it awesome. It will still be my go-to.