Is because any mechanic short of using a CR or RR requires you to get very close to the enemy, but attempting to do so will ensure your demise as you can be killed instantly before you can close any respectable amount of distance. There is no way to quickly close distance and stay relevant without getting your ass handed to you.
- Have you tried the HMG? Logi Suits? Commando with the Laser+SCR or CR+MD ?! lol
For example, you have a swarm launcher but you are to far from the target, getting within range of the tank usually means being in extremely vulnerable places where infantry and the tank can eliminate you quickly before you do any form of respectable damage to a tank.
- Why would you try to push with a swarm without proper cover ?! I know swarms need more range and damage, but you have commando suits now for swarms, so infantry shouldn't be an issue
Using a shotgun, there is no effective way to use a shotgun without a cloak since closing distance is practically suicide without a cloak and even in closed quarter map the range and hit detection is so bad you might as well use an ion pistol.
- Effective scouts are the ones that work with the squad... So they can be very deadly
The scout makes the AR work, although if the scout it's good with an AR it's better with a rail or CR.
- Scout + AR vs a Commando lol : Unless the Commando/Assault is bad at aiming then Scout wins, or else with 200+ hp its a lost cause
This is also why the CR and RR are the best weapons, they don't require you to be vulnerable for them to work.
- CR and AR has almost similar ranges (AR could use a scope though), Try fighting a Caldari commando/heavy with a RR
At least with a cloak most of these mechanics are slightly more viable as you eliminate the factor that includes you getting killed for trying to do your job, or trying to get to the intended range of your weapon.
- Cloak and scout, unless it's a gal scout with 3 dampeners and proper scout modules, they'll lose a lot of ISK
ISK Cost for my Proto Commando : 110 - 120k ISK
ISK Cost for my Proto Assault : 110 - 120k ISK
ISK Cost for my Proto Scout : 150 - 185k ISK
So yeah scouts are the way to go lol