They are. So are pulse rifles, autos, SMGs, sidearms, and fusions. And yet... Side note: HC are fun mostly because they are artificially propped up. Powerful per trigger, agile, with range that - as a practical matter - rival long guns. They are good literally at any range save for extreme close ups. Bungie clearly designed them to be the go to meta and reinforces it by introducing exotic version at every turn while completely ignoring other weapon classes.