A good point, but hear me out on this.
Firstly, the Bushwacker is a much newer design, not being completed and produced until well after the clans invaded, so it's apples to oranges there (Both fruit, or 'mechs.. really but markedly different.. I want a smoothie now dangit..).
Secondly, the standard dragon doesn't use an XL engine, unlike the bushwacker, and as such doesn't have as much weight to spare for weaponry. So yes, you have a valid point on the bushwacker being better armed than the dragon despite being 5 tons lighter, but riddle me this? Which 'mech is cheaper/easier to produce in large numbers? Also, which 'mech will run out of ammo first?
In the era of Battletech that we're starting in, XL engines are around, but are very very costly. A 'line' battlemech such as the dragon wouldn't need an XL engine, though having one is certainly not really a problem to be sure, though weight is saved survivability goes down a bit. That's the nature of the beast though, give and take, etc.
I see your point, but do keep in mind that we have no idea how much damage an AC5 is going to inflict, it's rate of fire, or at what ranges we'll be able to inflict said damage on whatever unfortunate soul happens to be on the business end of our 'mech. The same holds true for all the weapons so far.
Me personally, I'm hoping for suitably fast paced combat while bearing in mind that we're in a multi-ton walking battlemech. Maneuvering should be important, positioning and use of terrain downright critical for aiding in survival, but I want to be able to watch that AC 5 spew ten rounds in rapid succession and look at the impacts as they stitch across my enemies torso, opening holes for my lasers and missiles to take advantage of.
I want to watch my target rock backwards when my gauss slug slams into their shoulder and leaves a nice smoking crater there.
I want this game.
<S> Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
-Havoc
A.K.A. Habokku