I have to agree with Forward on this one. It's a shame to see a brilliant game mode being artificially crippled like that. There is no added value for old players, thus, no reason to play the mode. Sure, new players finally get to play with otherwise inaccessible weapons but I'm certain they would also immensely enjoy getting their hands on a hailer bow for example.
I sincerely hope the dev team rethink their position on this issue.
I sincerely hope the dev team rethink their position on this issue.