I don't think you really begin to enjoy these things until you drop a STD engine in them and watch how effective their incoming damage spread can be.
STD320 - LRM 15, PPC, Large Pulse, Medium Laser, 2x SRM4.
Your firing points are too low to engage in the snipe war. Lob LRMS early to press and confuse the enemy team - Mop up at close/medium range with your ppc/lasers, srms and ability to take a pounding.
Personal opinion on engines...
When the brawl happens - you will be a priority target. You will take fire and you will probably die - with the STD engine you have an opportunity to soak up substantially more damage so your teammates can do their jobs.
If you have no reliable teammates, go have your XL Engine installed immediately.
Edited by Sahoj, 29 August 2013 - 02:02 PM.