Even before the update with the (awesome) new feats to help as you pointed out, I played an smg and rifle burster anyway for pretty much this reasoning right here. Am finding it funny that you are just noticing, though it is indeed a bit easier thanks to finally some more mods and feats to alleviate the difficulties and make it more enjoyable, as a burster and crafter both.
I have to repair my smg constantly though, but it's only 5mm and doing 40+ damage a shot so I can't complain given how cheap the ammo is. Expertise btw makes 5mm Impalas and Jackrabbits (I am using a self-crafted Jackrabbit right now, still, at lvl 20 despite its max damage not even peaking over 22) a lot more feasible, put a muzzle break for +2 bursting and it just eats unarmored targets right up. Along with my 5mm stacks.