I've always disliked trace rifles because they're boring AF, they're just a plain Lazer that's extremely underwhelming to use and their sound effects are usually bland and muted. They just don't feel as satisfying to use as literally every other weapon type. There's no controller rumble and next to no recoil, so they just feel super boring to use. I definitely agree they don't justify taking up your special ammo slot especially compared to a rocket sidearm, glaive or sniper - exotic or not, though they definitely don't justify taking up your exotic slot, especially with verb perks. Prometheus lens is ok, the void one that creates orbs is kinda fun here and there too, but I'd never choose it over a sidearm or even most legendary primaries! That said, I fkn LOVE lodestar! The fact that it uses primary ammo but does the same amount of damage is almost good enough on its own. It also works way better over longer distances with the pulse rifle-like ADS fire and the jolting alt-fire charges super quickly, especially when using an arc subclass, giving it excellent synergy. It's also a lot more satisfying to use, partly because of the jolting and pulse fire, but the sound effects are just so much better than every other trace rifle in the game. This gun has made me appreciate trace rifles again, but only the ones with subclass verbs, but I never use any weapon that doesn't have those anyways.