Well we can't remove the cap rate effect, that's what defines the weapon. People don't like to use it because it's debuff is too much to over look in maps without cap rates. So maybe this?

pro:
+1 capture rate on wearer
Guaranteed mini-crits while capturing an objective

cons:
20% slower firing speed
No random Critical hits

Great for playing the objective, objectively worse otherwise. Pun intended

unbalanced. It grants a buff just for equip and only debuffs on use. It needs a debuff that affects you at all times like less max ammo for primary and secondary weapon or wearer is marked for death while capturing an objective

Sorry I didn't clarify. I intended these effects to be "When weapon is active:" requiring you to have the melee out while capping.

The cap rate is still kind of a passive buff, but the fact the 90% of the time you have shitty melee damage is it's balance. Landing an extra melee in time can be the difference between life and death. With minicrits the weapon simply goes up to a normal DPS. Unless you never swing your melee, it's balanced. Even then, you have to put yourself at a disadvantage by taking the time to switch to and from.

active while the weapon is out is a fair tradeoff. I alwyas viewed it as a weapon for demos to backcap with

Same, I've always seen it as a way for a rocket jumper to save the day.