Yep, the RP aspects was something I wanted but I just look at the rifles (since I main guns) and think "That's some good damage". Do pistol keep pace, scaling wise, well compared to rifles?
On a totally different side question, I've been reading the wiki and was confused at "turn [name] into a bimbo". What does that do?
Scaling wise, yes they do. I remember from Fenoxo or Savin (just from memory so I could be misinterpreting), was that higher level weapons like from Emmy, Kirila, Kazra and Lorre, plus some weapons rewarded from the quests, is that the weapons are scaled so that they can be used effectively even in the later stages Steele's journey. For example my my bimbo Steele who is a Mercenary pure melee specialist still uses the Jolt Hammer from Emmy (not the Tweaked one) and I was still able to beat the FrostWyrm with my build.
As for your second question, since I am guessing we are talking about a weapon, and not consumable items; You are talking about the Slut Ray, and the Advanced Slut Ray, basically is that they raise the lust meter of anyone it targets. I was able to effectively take out Amara Faell (a reasonably challenging boss in Kara Quest 2), by raising her lust meter almost and her cronies out of commision smoothly if you want an easy alternative rather than guns blazing, fighting fair and square. Recommended for all careers as the double shot perk grants along with tease attacks (courtesy of Grey Goo armor and Bimbo Siegwulfe) to almost oneshot any opponent, especially for Tech Spec players, as it buffs energy weaponry as a passive perk during level up so my Tech Spec Steele can not only shoot multiple times, but the lust damage increases.
The Slut Rays are not effective against Uveto natives however.