@Blackbeard D. Kuma: Ranged attacks, in general, are actually pretty boring (they are only fun when you are in the sniping position
), unless the fight is about figuring out how to get around a ranged attacker (ala the opening sequence of
Saving Private Ryan, etc). In the end, I can't help but feel that a ranged attack, right now, would ruin the pacing of the battle (which is building up to its conclusion (arguably, Luffy releasing his Haki or Whitebeard advancing after being stabbed near the heart were the climax of the battle)).