to me there are 3 ranged to the "Brawl"
Short.. 0-120m
Small lasers/pulse, machine guns, and flamers (if they ever get um working right
)
You are up close and personal it is the in your face brawl, Other weapons that work great in this range are AC-20's and the larger medium laser/pulse weapons. Mechs like the HBK4g and lights, or other fast movers are great for this range.
Medium, 90-270
This is the main brawl range, it is the meat of brawlers, mainly medium lasers/pulse, ac-20's and SRM's. Other weapons can be used, but are not optimal.. This is the classic brawler range. Tons of mechs can fit into this category, Mediums, heavies, assaults and even some lights.. it really is all about build
Long.. 180-400
Long brawlers, To me these are the second line brawlers.. you fight with your medium range brawlers, giving them cover and back up, and help pound the target into submission. You use your angles as cover, verse hiding behind rocks, Or are just in back of your medium brawlers laying the smack down. Weapons like LRM's, PPC's and AC-10's and even large pulse lasers are perfect for this. Fire the LRM's over the head of that atlas ahead of you, wait for opportunities to fire your pin point AC-10 rounds, or other direct fire weapons.
Mechs like catapults, HBK-4J, Trebuchet, Cataphract 4X, ect excel in this range. Typically, these are faster mechs, as they need to cover more ground more often than not to keep out of the firing lanes, but can be a ton of fun when played right, and you have medium and short brawlers to work with.
Now getting other brawlers to work with you.. that is when the fun begins.. But these days so many people are poke and peak, brawlers are in a tough spot. I really hope the re-balance brings out more brawling..