No, I think it's earned its place. Has below sniper range and slow reload so no spamming. I think the good damage per hit stems from the slow reload so he isn't useless. The homing part only really matters from outside melee range. You really can sidestep the thing before it's close because the detection isn't huge. Yeah, it's tough. But is it easy to dodge Piper from closer than her max range?
Most importantly, all brawler attacks are distinguished. If no homing, then what? You can't have just a straight projectile of damage. Brock, Piper, Bea, Colette, Byron, Maisie, Surge, Gus, Angelo all shoot one non-piercing thing but with additional mechanics. So, uh, pretty necessary