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The way I understood his significance during the arc was that he was able to inspire Luffy as he was lying hurt during his fight. Usopp's never been about the physical strength or ability; it's more to do with the inspiration he offers with his speeches and the way he holds the team together during the tough times.
Yes, Usopp's shots hardly ever do anything significant. Mainly because he, for reason I can only assume are plot related, constantly uses those damn gunpowder stars. Even though he has much more powerful shots.
Anyone doubting how badass Usopp can be needs only watch his fight against Luffy.
He's never performed that well before, or since then. Ironically, not even in Enies Lobby with his new weapon.
When your slingshot can shoot barrages of ninja stars and gas clouds that explode...what the hell do you need a gun for?
I remember when I first saw his Sling-staff, I thought maybe he had an impact dial in the cup so that he could fire things out with cannon-like force and it wouldn't hurt him because the weapon took all the impact.
Then it turned out its basically the same as his slingshot, only he can shoot whole handfuls of shots at once.