After the last tournament weekend event, I had this thought of a Clan benefit that few IS could do or they would have to really struggle.
Not many IS Mechs have enough common hardpoints in the same locations on all variants to build the same Mech. Some examples:
Locust, the 1ERLL CT was common but the 1E tossed that out and prevents a common build on all 5.
Kintaro variants have these in common: LA 1 Missile, RT 1 Missile, RA 1 Energy. Not much to work with.
Cataphract, forget it, the 4X is so different it is not possible.
Stalker, RA 2 Energy, LA 2 Energy.
Others show the same. You have to build the variants differently. You might have some commonality between certain variants but not all.
Clan Mechs are a whole different matter. Get one build on one Clan Mech you are good with, just make all three the same and cheese your way to Mastering the Mech.
I got
2 CPPC was too hot.
Same for 2 CLPL.
So I took the idea I saw someone post, CUAC5 + 3CERML + ECM, some extra heat sinks and armor. I built all three of my Cheese Foxes this way and now I never have to change my playstyle while Mastering them. I just cruise in a comfortable mode while improving all three variants. Stats are much better than my IS Mechs too and I am an average player.
If you want to cruise your way into Mech Mastery, just make all three Clan variants of one Mech the same.
After the Cheese Fox, I need to find the Clan LRM Boat while I continue fighting for Clan Cheese, the Sum Cheese looks good.
Look even this cat says I am right.
Cat, what are Clan Mechs?