I think it's the kind of thing that, while not important from a mechanical standpoint, is still an important aspect of fluff. Which... you know, is the entire reason people are arguing for a Chemist to begin with. Because "aesthetics" and what not. If you're not committing to it then you're wasting your time.

As for how important it is, it's a minor but still potentially important thing. People wishing for them to make Chemists somehow special and stand out from the others are going to be sorely disappointed if they expect otherwise. We will see soon enough, but one of those three will happen if they push a Chemist out with a ranged weapon, it's inevitable.