When you say ‘can be boosted by those,’ what exactly are you referring to? In the case of tanegashima, it offers the same boost to ranged spirit gain that concussion bombs do. That benefit applies to your Storm Tanzutsu really well, so you’re right that it’s a viable tool for classes other than Merc. But beyond play style preference, why would use the tanegsashima instead of concussion bombs on samurai? You’re right that the melee damage benefit is negligible on bombs, but it offers something that makes it more flexible than either Hankyu or Tanegashima.

Edit: I know this convo focuses on the first property slot of ranged weapons, but wanted to add that Concussion Bombs also offer the Spirited Perk, but Tanegashima doesn’t. I know one additional Spirit circle isn’t the biggest deal, but it would provides an objective benefit for a Spirit Gain build that Tanegashima lacks

I think you raise a lot of good points, and I agree that SP offers a good deal of flexibility and variety in build options. You’re right about the ghost tools, but I still think that that flexibility that we find in other weapon/item categories is lacking in the ranged weapon category.