So let me get this straight.
Hard Light is now very high fire rate and laser accurate projectile weapon with multi-bounce projectiles and zero damage drop off at any range? Who thought that is good idea after hand cannons counter sniping everything at any range?
Yeah but with lower impact and a fair bit of projectile spread at range (you won't hit every shot) it's nowhere near HC sniping at any range - especially not thorn etc. The exposure time just to counter snipe is mad, a half competent scout rifle user or sniper would have you dead most likely.