You can still get the bow , what are you talking about?

they should have stuck with Freelance over this Match making BS that they think is "better" leave it to bungo to mess something like "freelance" up this badly

Trials is the hard core pvp mode made to challenge the best pvp players in the game. There is no skill based matchmaking other than YOU deciding to play. While Bungie has made it easier for players to play Trials and get rewards they will only hold your hand so far. If you want to go to the Lighthouse you have to prove you are worthy by defeating all opposition no matter what skill level they are. As a wise man once said "if you can not take the heat stay away from the fire".

The regular versions aren’t locked it’s just a grind to level to unlock them it’s the Adept versions that are locked behind the flawless mechanic. You can get ia regular version weapon if you really want it but it will be a grind , but once unlocked u can then start fun farming for a roll using the engrams. I’m not great at trials but over the 4 days take my beatings and get enough XP to level to unlock the new weapon if I want it. If u want bow better just fill up bounties and grind probably won’t be fun at all but you can get it if u really want it .