Autobots transform in order to fight the evil forces of the Decepticons

I got a new Transformer toy today, and I was rather disappointed with it. Why was the leader of the leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime given such a tiny weapon? At least Grimlock got a sword. I remember reading somewhere that the car companies that the toys are modeled after are given the final say on the toy design, and that some companies have problems with guns associated with their product. In one instance, Honda refused to let one of the toy models have a rifle. Instead it has a scanner. I don't know if the Japanese version of the toy comes with the gun or not. Come on, they're Transformers; they have an intergalatic sci-fi techno war or whatever, they need guns and lasers and such. It's no fun when they have a scanner. What is he going to do, give you a price check? Remember the good ole' days when the radio robot was able to shoot the large rifle robot? (Soundwave and Megatron, I think.)

Okay, I understand how toy guns shouldn't be modeled or resemble real guns, but is it that kids really associate these exaggerated toy versions with the real thing? I mean they're vehicles that turn into robots; isn't that more bizarre than having it wield a gun. If it's a gun control thing, shouldn't we be more concerned about selling assault rifles to people rather than toys with make believe laser guns? And yes, I am too old to be talking about Transformers.