Believe it or not, back when the game first launched, before that initial buff, pulse rifles could hold their own against auto rifles and even the mythoclast, so long as the wielder had some skill. So what if your opponent actually has a chance if they're using something else now, maybe that'll push people to actually get better at not sucking ass because they have no crutch. Also, did you even look at the burst-to-kill chart? There's almost no difference before and after the update. At most you'll need an extra 2 or 3 bullets. Pulse rifles will still be competitive, but get this: there will be viable options to counter them now, other than another pulse rifle. Maybe skill will finally be the most important factor in crucible. But of course, that's probably what you're afraid of, right?