For payload vs speed, Awesome has a niche in the 80s. Not tons, but kph's. Throw in a big XL engine, and you are the fastest high ton payload deliverer in game. Barnsize CT? That's a bonus not a negative, as people will be hitting your CT or arms, not your side torsos (I have like maybe half a dozen side torso deaths in an Awesome, it just VERY rare).
I currently run the AWS with Tag in head and ER PPC in right hand due to needing ECM disabling ability for Streaks, and normal Large Lasers in torsos (minus some leg armor for the tons). Best game I've had was 1364 or 1368 damage, tried to take a screenshot but it seems MW:O doesn't like PrtScr + MSPaint at all.

Now with the new BAP, I'll be changing the setup to this as linked. Highlights include:
No wasted crit slots
Almost "perfect" heat usage in melee range (LL in hand + Streaks = excellent firing solutions, almost fully utilizing the heat dissipation, so if it is Alpine you can fire off the ER's once in a while or if it is Caustic you don't have to hold back THAT much). That's the nice dmg/heat of the LL + great dmg/heat ratio of the Streaks for 20 DHS worth.
Speed, flanking, evading, SPEED my man, SPEED! =)
Full spectrum engaging range: the dual ER LLs also give you full heat utilization for the max range plinking. Sure it isn't as nice as dual ERPPCs and you need a bit more aiming skills, but it's there when you need it.
The looks on light mech pilots when they start to get eaten by lasers and 3x streaks after they notice me circlefighting WITH them after the "Ahhahah slow assault open for backstabbiWTFBBQGETMEOUTTAHERE!"
So, engage in any distance, close fast or move to another hotzone fast (assault-style fast). Be a mobile assault scout!

For some post scriptum background flavor, I have played Commandos, zombie Cents, Spider, Cataphracts and Atlaii, and have had 1k damage games in all of them, but that 1300+ dmg game is a clearcut winner so far in highest damage game for me. Though that 1100 spider match and winning from 1vs3 in the end has to be the best performance and adrenaline thrill.
