I want you to look at this and tell me honestly if you still think it was a buff:
It is above 3 distance.
And the AOE change was not the only one ability also become cheaper and now has increased penetration.
The ability does massive damage to support weapon and will probably destroy the gun unless the weapon it self is not at full health.
The ability was a relic from when soviets has precision shot and the arty. Overall the change was good one.