It's used in all maps it's on (same thing with the Grenade Launcher). Thing is, it's not on many maps. Hemorrhage is its most popular map for it, and there's always people gunning for it to take out Wraiths and Warthogs. It is in Abridged as well and works pretty nice there. Basically, it is placed on maps where vehicles are vital and works intended. It got nerfed from the beta which was good, since it locked on too strong for infantry. It is still a viable weapon for infantry if your shot is off fast enough.I'm gonna miss it too, but actual weapon design looked awful to me. Looked like a walrus mustache or something. I guess aesthetics alone are enough to turn me away from a weapon, even if its function works pretty damn well. Plasma launcher was pretty key, nobody I played with ever used it though.
Your first part of your post reminds me of how people were upset of the Needle Rifle being a primary weapon in Reach's Team Classic playlist because it was "that pink gun." People need slapped.
Say this until your face turns blue, nothing changes. The fact that they think the Laser and Fuel Rod Gun is better for vehicle combat speaks hard on how strong certain ones can, and probably will be. (hi, Banshee)also, plasma launcher >>> splazer.