On the subject of pulse rifle viability I have a small story to share. I'm currently leveling a warlock alt and decided to look at my grimore to see what bonuses I had yet to unlock. Pulse rifle kills was the closest one on my list. I head over to the vanguard, grab the generic green they offer for those of us the pre-ordered, and head into the crucible. Being a green this thing has no where the stability of a legendary so I couldn't use it at any long range. However at about fusion rifle range I noticed something. It was hitting like a truck. 2 bursts to the head and 1 burst to the body was dropping people like flies. That being said, I think I placed third in that game, decent with an unfamiliar gun/play style but at least speaking volumes of the gun type's viability in PvP.