Not because you are less of a player but because you deal much less damage and take much more damage. Take the time and run normal until you're 32. You only get weapons from hard mode anyways. Not worth stressing over in my opinion. I will get to it eventually.
And yes, I have two 32 characters and have the CE pulse rifle equipped on my warlock.
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"Deal much less damage" is not quite accurate. 10% difference between being 31 and 32. Take more damage? True. Much more? Eh. Maybe 60-70 defense points. Maybe.