Year one I basically had to use fatebringer, vision of confluence, or word of crota. Maybe one or two other random primaries but just to level them up or see if I like their style for crucible use. That was it. More options now. Though I do agree some of the perks are kinda lame. Secondary/heavy element choices matter more now, as well as balance of elements in the fireteam, and sometimes even picking class choice so your grenades/abilities would be the element not covered by secondary/heavy if you're running things solo.