So, I decided to experiment today. Three random deployments, all using the Soma, using all militia parts, with the exception of an upgraded nitro booster. (There was a fourth deployment when I originally bought my somas, but I didn't realize that they didn't come with mods and was quickly dispatched by an irritated missile madrugar named Crimson gash.)

Game 1. 9-2-0

Game 2. 8-3-0

Game 3. 7-4-2 (The enemy had a railgun sica.)

Not spectacular numbers, I am only average after all. But my playstyle has always emphasized staying alive over reaping kills, so I'm quick to run if the enemy stands their ground; More reckless players are eating up the deaths and dragging their killers down with them. This thing is everything I ever wanted my 1.6 Madrugar to be. Turning sucks, but the generous charge time on the hardener more than makes up for it. I was able to stand up to a Madrugar while my hardener was active, long enough for a friendly rail gunner to rescue me!

In my missile Gunlogi, I'm more than happy to spend my time blowing up other vehicles and installations. Getting the occasional infantry kill is just a bonus. But this frickin' soma is more of a danger to the life and limb of hapless soldiers on the ground than my gunny will ever be. It's a little ridiculous and probably bears looking at.

I feel you. I understand the EVE mentality that better equipment doesn't necessarily mean better results, but I've seen nothing to indicate that Sicas and somas are actually inferior to Gunlogis and Madrugars. One less fitting slot? Who cares if it hits just as hard?