I have been playing them recent without the slingshot (Blood usual upgrades but Ashes holding survivalist, SiF and I pay better).
This is in a heavy shooting list (Hans, Trappers and Lazrus) I am picking things of from range with free(ish) focus and people become less worried about Blood due to no crazy slingshot.
however she still has a threat of 15" without it and well people clump up more thinking they are safer from said crazy slingshot.....So we play Peekaboo with Blood.
Slingshot is crazy strong but dont think it is the only way