I have noticed that as a player, you cannot play-test workshop items/weapons. Its seems like players could get a much better idea about what the weapon / item is capable, and if it really is as good as it looks.
I think that this could be accomplished using the itemtest feature, in the game, although Valve will have to make them only available in a test map with two or three bots to avoid players from using them in-game with other players before they are added to the game.
also, they would have to be secure, so that people cannot steal the item and claim it as their own.

Any ideas?

Valve, the Workshop Community needs this!