Lynata said:

We did come to harsh words quite a bit over the subject of Space Marines and their power level. And I apoligise for my own. It's a poor excuse, but I got qiute defensive over a (relatively) new game I found and loved, and am still bitter over some issues with the Exalted community.

I'm willing to put all that behind us though. If AluminiumWolf and I can disagree over the scope and level of Space Marines (though I still lose my patience), then so can we (as long as we can all agree that I'm right! lol).

I'll just say I really like the new Deathwatch fluff, because like I said before, what we had on the subject was really sparse. What FFG has come up with is really good, not only in that they've created a very fun game, but they're telling a great story and shining a light on a part of 40K lore than has been untouched and relatively obscure. And I would disagree over the strength of its status as canon. Between the Horus Heresy novels, 'Movie Marines', most of the video games where you play them, and of course Deathwatch the RPG, Marines are depicted as awesome soldiers, each worth dozens of regular human infantry. They were genetically crafted with the specific purpose of taking on every horrible monster the galaxy had to throw at the Imperium, and grinding them all up beneath a ceramite shod boot. And just about everyone has always said that the tabletop stats of Space Marines are a concession to game balance.

In light of the settings rules for Lasguns, the Bolter might deserve a bit of a boost though.

 People whinged about lasguns needing a boost, now people are whinging about bolt guns, next it will be plasma guns. This is a classic example of power level creep. 

Bolt guns are significantly better than lasguns (on max setting):

They do more damage, have more penetration, are more reliable, and have more clip. They are superior in nearly every aspect. If they were only slightly better in one or two areas then you might be excused for making the assertion…but that is not the case. 

It's like moving next to an airport and then complaining about the noise. If you boost the basic gun in power of course it will close the power gap between it and the premium gun, but enhancing everything doesn't accomplish anything sensible. Why not give everyone 15,000 hp and have weapons do 200-1000 damage while you are at it?

If you really think the bolt gun is not "better enough" compared to the lasgun then readjust the lasgun again.