KAT Editor, on 16 September 2014 - 09:47 PM, said:
That was during a mechbay sale. The standard price has been 300 MC for as long as I can remember. A mechbay sale is announced for this weekend, so you may want to wait until then.
KAT Editor, on 16 September 2014 - 09:47 PM, said:
You can replace the omni pods on Clan mechs to make your own hardpoint configuration. Only their CT hardpoints/abilities are locked. The engine and upgrades always stay the same. Sometimes jump jets, too.
The performance issues may be due to an older CPU. The CPU seems to be the main bottleneck for most MWO players. If you can not upgrade that, you have an excuse to get a new PC.

Destructible objects are planned for MWO, but with no ETA yet. Just something Karl Berg is working on when he has spare time. The main focus this year is finishing Community Warfare. Next year will probably be more interesting for you.