It's the same thing with Archers with Bows/Crossbows and Thieves with Throwing Items.
Except I think only Archers keep their damage range regardless of whether they whack or shoot arrows. O.o
Cuz my Nightwalker's whack only does about 1% her throwing items damage.
(Haven't played my Gunslinger Pirate in a long time so I'm vague on their dmg comparisons.)
I dunno why they did this, it's hella annoying when you're in a mob and they're chasing you. :/ I cannot wait to be a Corsair/Outlaw, though!