ToM is not required for hard raid. But it makes it significantly easier. So a lot of groups that have that are just wanting to save time. It's a crutch and will probably be nerfed like gally was because people were going through the same thing you are. Bungie said they don't want 1 weapon to be the go too, and players should have options, but we'll see how long it takes them to nerf it so people learn to not rely on it.