As a player who primarily uses scouts in PvP, I think they are in a good spot. There are enough good options, with good enough damage/perks to be viable on most medium to large maps and even some smaller ones (although not the most ideal). I think one of the main issues, is using a scout, and thinking you are outside of another players effective range (35-40m), and still being challenged and beaten because its hard to land the shots through flinch from a 120. I think you need to learn to cut your losses on the engagement, play your life and reposition (despite there often being only a few good scout lanes on each map). I would say it could be more if a skill issue than a weapon issue. I do feel that most HC ranges are a bit too far for the class of weapon, but thats a different topic, and Im sure it would get a lot of downvotes... but the advantages of a scout is that you can outrange every primary in the game, so in theory you can dominate from your safe space... only, you have to land your shots, and keep your range over 45m to have that bubble to work in. Good players will recognize scout laning, and never use those sightlines, then close the distance and 3 tap you. To be a good scout player, you need to be hyper mobile and reposition constantly to keep them guessing. I tend to play scout somewhat aggressively, in mid ranges, but know enough to disengage when an encounter is not in my favor. That is the most important thing to learn in this game in PvP, how to recognize that you lost the encounter after the first shot fired, and get out with your life.