>"hurr ranged are easy because they dont get close to monsters"
Why are worldsperms like this? Anyone with moderate experience in this game knows HBG is the hardest weapon by design because not only do you ALWAYS get one-shot by any attack due to half defense, you also get the worst mobility out of all weapons. The very idea of wielding a super slow weapon that's vulnerable to any attack is terrifying, and the only way to protect yourself is sheer knowledge and practice. If this isn't a weapon of pure skill I don't know what is.
>melerkeks just oogabooga in with their easy-mode high defense and never die
>rangers have to carefully position and read the monster otherwise one shotted
>thats not to mention you have to carefully strategize ammo usage and crafting before even entering the quest since the ranged system actually requires IQ and preparation
Play the game.

I remember back in the day in World when gunnerchads would spam their dps stats at the end of hunts and totally mog everyone and the LS and hammer scrubs with 5% of the damage would cope and seethe like hell.