Yeah, Sandblaster was nerfed. The only thing that changed was the -1 To-Hit. The Damage bonus didn't change.
The reason I use it is the pilot also is used in Classic, and it's like a super-Artemis there.
The Classic version of Cluster Hitter only adds a +1 to the Cluster Chart, but applies all of that Cluster to one spot. Potentially powerful for heavier Cluster weapons and you don't want to scatter the Damage.