There is a max range the suffix can proc in melee mode(~1750 in game units if I remember correctly offhand). The chance to proc is also lower in melee form(meaning harder to proc). Swinging the melee should be treated basically in the same way as shooting near someone. If you're not a T or aiming at a T, you shouldn't be doing this.
The muzzle flash seems to just be a side-effect of it being a rifle that can swap to a melee mode.
The suffix is mostly avoidable, although very difficult. The final stages of the ball deal ~11 damage each, and are destroyed fairly easily(they have 40 hp). In my testings I was able to destroy most of them, most of the time. Making the damage you sustain most of the time in the league of most DOT suffixes, which is how it's intended.
The weapon is not likely going to change anymore. It's fine how it is right now.
The muzzle flash seems to just be a side-effect of it being a rifle that can swap to a melee mode.
The suffix is mostly avoidable, although very difficult. The final stages of the ball deal ~11 damage each, and are destroyed fairly easily(they have 40 hp). In my testings I was able to destroy most of them, most of the time. Making the damage you sustain most of the time in the league of most DOT suffixes, which is how it's intended.
The weapon is not likely going to change anymore. It's fine how it is right now.
x3