You are mistaken. It's not just because it doesn't have Firefly that people hate on it.
WoC impact low for a HC (many adds that FB kills in one crit shot require 2 from WoC) and it's broken. Hive disruptor negates crit shot perk, as do explosive rounds which makes it dumb to include them as an option. Void damage means it will be most useful against Vex. Minotaurs have no crits, again negating the perk.
It's really a poorly designed weapon on Bungie's part.
Imho, the two best 331 HCs are Timur's Lash and Thorn. I am on Xbone, so can't speak for the Hawkmoon. Fatebringer is still the next best HC after those. Better for some circumstances, such as Arc NFs and even this week's triple burn NF.
Timur's lash sucks in PvP unless you have luck in the chamber. Otherwise its 3 headshot kill. Same as WoC except its much much quicker. I love using this thing in pve with gunslinger too. I have a Timur's lash with luck in the chamber and I'd still use WOC over it in PvP.
Sorry I don't PvP much, I was talking in relation to PvE. In the PvP context, Thorn all the way. 2 shot kill, incredible range, and dot.
Funny, but your comments confirm my opinion of WoC. It's a TLW without the perks to gowith it or the cool animation.
Of course this is a matter of opinion and personal preference.