Bombardier
The prime variant has 3M. There are another two variants. One with an extra 1B, an another with an extra 1E. still a bit limiting in terms of slots and will need PGI to adopt a little creative license. Pity it's another 65 tonnes which already has the catapult as the standard for LRMs. The Bombardier is a weak replacement for the Archer.
Guillotine
Feels too similar to a grasshopper being in the same weight range except for swopping the LRM for a SRM. Probably a non starter.
Grand Dragon
Feels more like an upgraded version of the Dragon, swopping out the Autocanon for a PPC so may not add much to the game as well. Too few variants based on current tech to be a stand alone.
Exterminator
Totally agree, covered in OP.
Caesar
Feels too much like a Cataphract. Default option can be replicated by the 1X. Other variants are beyond timeline. And by then we will have the CESTUS.
Crusader
Prime Variant has 4M 2E 2B. The 5M version has 4M 3E 1B and JJ. The 2R version has 6M! There is no version with ECM, and being in the 65 ton category, it feels like a missile version of the thunderbolt, yet still distinct from the catapult. Gameplay wise, it feels like it would add quite a bit to the game, especially in the SRM brawler category, and yet enable LRM options. Did not think of this option. But now think very highly of it! With a Galen Cox Hero, certainly something very much to consider.
Thanks for the reference.
Edit: added Caesar
Edited by Chuanhao, 04 April 2015 - 05:32 AM.