Ok my 2 cents.
First of all I do not really see a huge problem with the gauss / PPC combo. If I get a arm ripped off in one shot it is pretty much my own fault for standing still in front of a Dire Whale. But anyway...
Both ideas are terrible and we do not need any more complicated mechanics.
Start by adding 1 second to the recycle time of:
Gauss
PPC's
Large and ER Large lasers
Clan and IS
How does this reduce long range pin point large alphas?
It doesn't.
So how does it help?
Long range weapons are as effective at short range as long. They can be used in configurations which are devastating at short range. There is little incentive to take short range weapons or mixed load outs.
By allowing short range weapons to have a higher dps at short range, this will allow brawlers to have the advantage once they manage to close the distance.
Once people realise this and capitalise on the fact we will see people punished for focusing only on abusive long range builds.
However, people will still have the tactical
choice.
One second not enough? Test it for a month and make it 2! Still not working, back to the drawing board then!
Keep it simple! Make small balance changes to weapon stats and monitor the meta and the tactics of top players. Be calm and find game balance in a logical fashion. Listen to players, consult with top teams, make better use of the PTR...
Crazy Frankenstein emergency measures are not needed.
In fact we would not even have this problem if we had proper role warfare. The problem is only here because there is no meaningful use for lights and everyone is taking heavys and assaults with min max dps builds.
Hell, just give a C Bill bonus for taking the lowest represented mech in the queue and you will probably solve the problem without changing a single weapon!
TLDR - both options are insane.
Edited by Jabilo, 30 July 2014 - 11:31 AM.