i see what your saying Lindy, and as you pointed out, Nevan is a highly Defensive weapon. I don't defend much, i find the best defence is offence in this sort of game. Yes there are occasions when you must defend, but these occasions come few and far between. In the harder modes, yes it's nearly a must, but you must still attack.
I just prefer to use quicker weapons, (i actually use Cerberus far more than A&R, they're just there for the Air Hike and flashyness.).
My guns are a different matter, i always seem to carry Ebony and Ivory (it's just not right for me not to....) and i swap between the Shotgun and Artemis.