They don't have a current place in D2. They can't compete in mid to long range and there even worse in close range. Hand cannons and pulse rifles do everything the auto rifle class does but better. They need an overall fire rate increase across all auto rifle classes and maybe some range or handling. Edit* I only suggested a rpm buff because I thought I'd get more people who agree with me on the auto rifles needing a buff but honestly I just want them to be better. They're awful in the crucible (aside from a couple exotics under certain situations) and pve has it's own gems. They're my favourite class with some of the best cosmetic designs.