RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32, 2011 Top 16
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Aside from being an attempt to balance bows against other ranged weapons, the propulsive trait doesn't make any sense. The entire reason projectile weapons were invented is because they increase the force of the projectile, compared to thrown weapons. They shouldn't do less damage because of your strength, they should do at least as much if not more. To actually be realistic, bows, crossbows, slings, atlatls, etc should do full Str damage, while thrown weapons should do half. I'd be fine with them all doing full Str damage though, but there's no rational reason projectile weapons would do less damage based on your strength.
Also, the wording for the trait is confusing. "You add half your Strength modifier to damage rolls with a propulsive ranged weapon so long as your Strength modifier is not negative. If you have a negative Strength modifier, you add your full Strength modifier instead."
It would be more clear if it stated "you add half your Strength bonus to damage rolls. If you have a negative Strength modifier, you add your full Strength modifier instead."
It's a game balance decision, to keep archery from becoming the king of combat styles and vastly overpowering thrown weapon builds, as it did in Pathfinder 1E.