Forum QQ, logs on usage, CPM (lol)....

Does anyone know what methods CCP uses to ensure game balance?
I know at one point they said they were rebalancing the mass driver based on an "internal play test" (which was a bit insulting at the time)

I want to know, because I have a hunch that whatever methods they are using could be improved with a simple discussion on the matter.

There is obviously a problem. Anyone who had played chromosome could tell you there was a problem with the power of the laser rifle at the time. Then the exact same problem showed up with the AR TAC. Then the exact same problem showed up with the rail rifle. I would even argue that the problem has gotten worse since chromo. because the RR is more effective at close range than the laser ever was

Another example being the plasma cannon. Nearly the entire player base has been calling for a buff since it's release. Yet it has yet to receive even the smallest of buffs. It is obviously underpowered against infantry AND vehicles. It could have received a buff in any one of the patches, but has not.

They also have had a tendency to overbuff/overnerf things, usually at the same time. Nerfing AV AND buffing tanks etc.
I suggest small balance changes with every patch. Slow constant balance changes.

What ever methods are used will make it more difficult or impossible until all items are in the game. You mention the LR and TAC AR would these two really be that OP compared to the CR and RR right now?

There is always going to be weapons and gear that completely outperforms everything else. I may be giving CCP to much credit for introducing FoTM. Perhaps they are just incompetent. Either way, get used to it. They won't fix everything in one patch. They also could have hot fixed the damage. The imbalance is needed.