The nerf is happening regardless. I've read somewhere that games of this nature needs the hardcore players to play but its lifeblood are the weaker, newer players. Games like these always cater to them because they are the ones who bring in the money while vet players are already set in where they want to be, which includes cost effectiveness.

I see a nerf inbound coupled with assault buffs

If it happens at all it will be very slight as CCP Rattati has explicitly stated that he likes the HMG as it is currently

Rattati does seem like a very Competent Dev, but regardless Most likely a nerf will happen, either to heavies or their weapon

I know what he wrote but I wouldn't put all my eggs in one basket. At one time we were to get jets, bikes, drones, players' market and more maps.

Now we are getting none of those. I would be careful of leaning too hard on CCP's word here.