The damage isn't that bad if you can keep around 290 light. Damage is based on total light level, rather than the attack of a individual weapon.
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I thought it was based on both, and that a 170 weapon would only deal 100% of it's 170 damage. I have read here people who have tested it against high level enemies in PvE and have talked about it being rubbish.
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Tested in King's Fall on Trash with Mida and Tears upon Stars. Did about 2% less damage with the Mida. (Not counting explosive rounds damage.)