You know what Bungie SHOULD do if they absolutely do not want us ascending old weapons forward? Add ascended versions of the guns to the VoG, Crota, PoE and Trials loot tables. A small chance to get your favorite gun up to par with the new guns. Fatebringer (Ascended). Black Hammer (Ascended). I think this would be an awesome way to keep those old guns and even old armor alive in the game. And again not everyone would have them because they would be added to the already existing loot tables so this wouldn't "ruin" Bungie's vision.