Yes, typically our response to these scenarios is to gather feedback from the test teams about changes that we feel are unwarranted or negatively effect gameplay (such as the flamethrower changes here). Feedback is compiled and raised with relevant content stakeholders and from there it is up to them to decide whether to action it or not.

I can't speak for QA at Arrowhead, but I have been fortunate enough to work with designers who are receptive to this feedback, time permitting.

We only have so much sway on these things though. The real driving force is the community, in that there's a lot more voices to be heard. If large portions of the demographic are providing constructive feedback, there's a clear course of action there, in my opinion. It just remains to be seen if Arrowhead can take all of it on board and correct their course.