I think you have to really just look at your opponents load out and play accordingly. I just made a new account on PC and solo'd to fabled in a day using blue gear (Azimuth DSU and a Fussed Dark Mk21 ftw). I would switch to a scout when I knew I needed better range. If you peak and you know you're going to lose an engagement then you need to have muscle memory to back out immediately. Don't engage unless you have the advantage (i.e. you shot first or you have a teammate backing you up). Luna's is extremely prevalent above 2100 because everyone is doing the steps for NF (master Luna's Howl quest). Dust Rock is very competitive because of the range and impact but there are other options if you're playing smart (recluse, retold tale, chaperone, fighting lion). You just have to play your corners differently if you know they're aping. As far as spectral blades yeah I do think the armor buff is too much - I get two tapped out of a golden gun but a spectral blades can tank multiple shotguns at point blank? The only work around to this is to counter with a super or team shoot them down as quickly as possible. A tip if you're also playing spectral blades: a lot of people spam r1 against each other, tap your r2 and watch opposing spectral blades fall EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Additionally if you're on console good luck... 180 rpm HCs are the meta as well as dust rock, the counter is to use the same thing and be better. I have mained console up until a few days ago (PS4) and getting to fabled to get Luna's was a lot harder for me but doable. The trick for me:. If I lost 2 games in a row I took a break and didn't get discouraged and came back later. Also the time that you play really matters as well as the people you team up with. If you're a low glory don't team up with high glory unless they're specifically carrying you. If you're on PC feel free to message me and I'll give you my battle.net and I'll play with you! Good luck and remember competitive is the place you go to win to get the exclusive gear so everyone is trying to win so they'll use whatever is working the best - if they nerf dust rock then something else will take it's place and everyone will flock to that and that will be the next thing to complain about.