The issue is the same it's always been. If the BR is a starting weapon, than the pistol, without some kind of differentiating factor, is useless.
If the BR is a pick-up on the map, then those who spawn with the pistol will be at a disadvantage to it.
If the BR is a pickup in a theoretical game with pistol starts, it would be a power weapon and one to be fought over for control. The disadvantage is required.
In a game type with a BR start, with the pistol a secondary, it isn't useless - it's a backup. There doesn't have to be an issue.
Like all game play mechanics, it's ALL about IMPLEMENTATION.
DO NOT GOOGLE IMAGE THIS WITH SAFE SEARCH OFF OR ON FOR THAT MATTER
I'm not sure what you're looking at lol, but the image I find is from USHandicap (golfing site) with a little British looking guy hugging a swarthy American looking guy.
I still can't figure the damn thing out a year later.
Really?