Yeah I love this change and can't wait. It will change some maps to a vast degree IMHO. Not always for the better, but that's the rolling battlefield for you - you can't always get what you want.
One thing is clear, sniping possies with Gauss/PPC/ER LL/AC will become sought after real estate now and if your team doesn't have any JJ capability, you are going to be buggered (yes, i'm looking at you, Sniper Comm Tower Hill of Despair on Forest Colony).. But as everything, the gameplay will evolve to negate the advantage. Humans are a clever lot. But yes, thank Kerensky the mountaineering and spelunking antics (Alpine...) will stop.
That said, I have to question NOT the manner, BUT THE implementation of the what 'mech falls into which category.. (as a thousand voices cried out in unison).. It needs to look at:
- Leg type
- Weight
- Speed
C'mon.. Stalker? Bump it up. Bump the WinJen Up. Raven and Quickdraw down..
Just wonder how long it's going to take me to not want to run up sheer cliffs anymore