It wouldn't be the first time anet have gone round in circles on balance. Just look at Winds of Disenchantment. If they're so afraid of it being too strong (if you can even call it that), just make it a boon rip instead and maybe reduce the target cap to 3 instead of 5.
I know this feeling. I had a similar confused view on why Greatsword is seen as better than Spear, despite Spear actually doing more dps in a pure 1v1 scenario. This was done with 100% crit (just now in fact). Its the reality of each weapon not existing in a vacuum.
It was the premium driver sniping/harassment skill. Before the nerf, it was pretty common place to see small groups of mirages spamming greatsword ambush and carving chunks out of groups with ease.