Does the new Symmetra main fire improve damage when "connecting" or when "firing"?

https://overwatch.gamepedia.com/Symmetra#Photon_Projector

The linked page mentions the weapon powering up "when connecting", but the weapon was reworked so it doesn't connect anymore.

Its only other specialty is that it replenishes ammo while damaging barriers. It doesn't even deal more damage to barriers than to heroes.

Is that it?

For example, say I shoot at Reinhardt's barrier. Then I am dealing 180 damage per second. The barrier is destroyed. Will my damage get reset to 60 damage per second?

Solution 1:

"Connecting" does not mean "Locking on to", it means "Hitting". The weapon can't lock on to enemies anymore, but its damage will still go up after 2 seconds of hitting an enemy or a barrier, and it will still decay after 2 second of not hitting an enemy or a barrier.