why are the kelvin ground phasers so pathetic and worthless?

i really like the kelvin lock box. it has a lot of cool things in it.

so i was excited to finally get my hands on the kelvin ground phasers.

but once i tried them out i was sad to find out how pathetic and worthless they are.

they are some of the weakest weapons i have ever seen in the game.

this seems like such a missed opportunity. why are these weapons so weak and pathetic?