The sonic screwdriver's popularity is currently at an all time high. It's importance and lasting impression even rivals whatever outfit the Doctor decides to go with. But it wasn't always like this. In fact, the Doctor and the writers of the show sometimes looked down on the sonic screwdriver. It eventually got to a point where the sonic was written out of the show. And then of course, the reboot happened. And with the return of Doctor Who to TV, also came the return of the Doctor's famous tool. But this time, the Doctor began using the sonic screwdriver in ways he had never done before. Well perhaps this change was influenced when the War Doctor first met Ten and Eleven during the 50th anniversary. John Hurt's Doctor didn't get along with his future selves in the beginning. But after awhile, the War Doctor grew fondly of the duo, even displaying pride and excitement in knowing what kind of person he would eventually become. Maybe even enough pride to remember somewhere deep down, it's okay to use scientific instruments as water pistols.