DeaconW, on 20 May 2013 - 10:21 AM, said:
The point is that no one cares about carrying a Gauss or XL engine because of cost...it isn't even part of the discussion. Basically that post brought out "Don't use case, it would only save you R&R, which doesn't exist, so forget that mechanic entirely".
If you think the only consideration when choosing between, say, an XL and a STD engine is cost, you don't really understand the game. In reality, whether to bring an XL or a STD is a tactical decision. Do you want to have some saved tonnage to devote to weapons? Do you want to use the saved tonnage to up the engine size? You can do so by using an XL, but at the cost of survivability. Same goes for the gauss: do I want to stick the gun that explodes in the shoulder of my Dragon? Or should I perhaps go with a safer, albeit less deadly, weapon?
CASE is a great example. I pack a CASE if I choose a STD engine and there's an explodey gun like a gauss or some ammo on that side. Not because it'll save me on the repair bill, but becaue it might keep me alive on the battlefield... I've crushed many a mech with one torso gone, but in order ot do so, the CT has to survive. That you think CASE is a throwaway item without R&R is part of the problem.
This is how one balances. Perks and drawbacks. These things, these expensive items, already have them. Balance these perks and drawbacks: don't tax them because you can't figure out how to do so. In the end, that's all R&R is.
Besides, cost is already factored in for these things. There's a rather large up-front cost for all of the items in question. That's enough of an obstacle for a non-premium player. Adding a tax that premium players can easily afford but that non-premium players have to make tough choices because of is not okay.
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