If you believe that DE nerfs things based only on usage/popularity then you must be tripping.
Soma Prime was never touched despite being the OG most popular weapon in the game.
Why?
Because it doesn’t kill more than 2 things with a single buttom press. Every weapon and Warframe ability with some kind of AOE that could be spammed got nerfed because it made the horde shooter look like a Dinasty Warriors game.
B-b-but the Xoris! Khora’s whipclaw, landslide and Serene Storm are all AOE weapons.
Something kills 4 enemies with a buttom press and not so mu