Hey, Bojo!

Just would like to say the chances are it's the rail tanks and installations again. Fire incredibly fast and melt dropships. Most of everything else is completely tankable within reason

Wait, so a single FG killed you 2 shots? 5 seconds between shots?

So, you got shot two times in a row from a Proto Breach FG...


YOU GOT OUTPLAYED.... cry elsewhere. FGs don't need to be touched, and neither do DSes. DSes are actually more OP than tanks, so it's YOU, not the equipment.

Pick up an FG tomorrow, and use it every time an enemy DS comes to the battle. Then come back here and tell me how many of those DSes you knocked out of the sky by yourself.

What was your fit, if you don't mind me asking. To address your points:

-True, but we have speed and agility, even without AB. I agree that rails need a slight RoF nerf, but at what could be considered "long range," quick maneuvers do just fine for a while, at least to escape.
-I am not aware of any "weak point". Regardless, it's only exposed when your in your optimal position, right above them. It's give and take.
-ADSs are fine, I would like a bit more agility from the STDs though.
-They are not required if you're tank is good and you fly we'll without it, though it is very very nice to have.
-All modules need to compliment each other to form a good fit. I have fits with many active mods, and some with only an AB (which happens to be my favorite fit). Only mod I've had trouble fitting is the ammo mod.
-Because it's a T2 vehicle and has an extra turret. Idk the specific math behind it.

In short, it sounds like you need better fits and more flying skill. You can't just hover in one place and expect to be left alone. Someone is going to get pissed and bring out a tank/forge/all the above. Always stay moving, get transversal to throw off their tracking (if you play EvE, you know what I mean). If things are getting hot, lay low for a while and then jump them unexpectedly. Fly defensively.

I could see boosting their agility a touch, but that would be the only change I would support.

So you're flying an already slow, bulky ship weighed down by 4 enhanced plates (with no repair, I might add) and your surprised your maneuverability is low? I think I found our problem.

The key is not just staying still, it's altering your flight path to throw off their projected aim. It's not difficult to judge where a dropship going in a straight line is headed, and even banking is easily adjusted for.

I'm not too familiar with fitting a Grimsnes, but I'd advise using a hardener or two and a heavy rep. Afterburners are nice in a tight spot.

I could understand giving DS`s a tad move manoeuvrability but not too much more. Already right now I have seen pilots like Judge and Foxhound pull off some pretty awesome piloting feats.

However If you stuck around and took 2 breach FG rounds then I cant have much sympathy for you. Its hard work swatting things with a breach. Granted the first shot will surprise them and sting a lot but 9/10 times the pilot will move off and out of the way by the time the 2nd round is ready to fire.

I think dropships are fine where they are. I primarily fly a viper as a transport role. The only time I have an issue is during take off and landing (obvious vulnerable times that I should be most likely to be taken down).

As to dropship / av balance I do feel that swarm lock on distance should be increased along with a lock on indicator and a slight armor buff to account for this higher vulnerability time (maybe limited counter measures instead of the armor buff to keep from rewarding reckless pilots more than those who are very aware of danger zones).

OP: I think you need to toy with more fits primarily hardeners and shield boosters as well as working on your flight patterns. If you are getting dropped by FGs you are either flying very slowly or in a very straight line, either way asking to be shot down.

Are you kidding me? Forge Guns and Tanks are the only thing that can down dropships. Tanks are confirmed to be getting a nerf, and flyers still are still complaining about being vulnerable to Heavies with FG while being invincible to any other suit in the game?