1) Once I have every 'Mech in the game mastered, I'll probably go with Weight Class > Hardpoint type > Hardpoint potential > Looks. At the moment, I'm just playing everything to max out skills.
2) I don't choose weapon configs based on any of the above, and I don't like going with what's considered 'good' or 'competitive'. I often change drop to drop on heavier 'Mechs, and I'm still trying out every weapon in the game with every new patch to get a feel for how they all work, and how they work on each chassis.
3) I try and run balanced builds as often as I can, with at least 3 major weapon groups.
4) I'm competitive, but I don't really play in teams much. At the most I drop with 2 mates, and we play in the same room.
5) I always aim to win (of course), but I don't take losses very hard, after all, there's not really anything to lose. If taking a sub-optimal build is not the best way to support my team, then I'm not supporting my team. However, I'm rarely not in the top 3 players in a match (if that even means anything), and I support my team by indicating tactics and enemy positions, rather than optimising a build.
6) I would love to see MW:O become more of a true to TT BT sim game that the 'Mech based shooter it currently is (as there are a plethora of other games out there that already fill the current niche), but I highly doubt that such a game would have a large enough supporting player base to continue to exist. If such a player base does exist, then sign me up, i'll gladly contribute. Neither of the options are going to ensure longevity. IGP needs to see MW:O making money. If it were me directing the game, I'd be trying to provide the sort of experience that the largest majority of long time BT fans and/or long time MechWarrior fans want, as they tend to be an older, more focused, more consistent contingent, with ample spending money, and a strong desire to see a 'MechWarrior game succeed. They are likely to keep playing the game for a long, long time, and if they can be convinced to part with their money on a continual basis to support the game, it will have a long, consistent future.
For example, I have absolutely no qualms about dropping $500-$1000 on new Kickstarted games to see them succeed. I have a lot of nostalgia for the games of my youth, and am absolutely overjoyed to see smaller, independent publishers getting the opportunity to bring some of these IPs back to life, or even starting new ones. I have dropped about $400 on MW:O in the last 3 months, and I consider that chump change to see a franchise I love given hope again. I love BattleTech, and particularly the MechWarrior games, and will be more than happy to spend more money on MW:O for a long time, provided that it continues to have a community to play against. I still play MW3 and 4 through about once a year, and am loving that I now also have another option for my fix. That said, money is pretty much a non-issue for me, and I know most people are not in the same boat. Not quite sure what the best path forward is for PGI in terms of revenue raising, but I would certainly be aiming for a consistent income if possible with an F2P model.
Edit - Nice poll, btw
Edited by Boyinleaves, 27 July 2013 - 04:43 AM.