I have only just read the Hotfix Charlie thread and it certainly looks interesting but I am a little curious as to the proposed possible changes to Assaults.

Instead of a significant HP or, God forbid, speed increase, may I propose the following seemingly simple changes be considered first?

Assault suit bonus - 1% damage per level to light and sidearm weaponry

Amarr - retain the current bonus to laser weaponry heat build up
Minmatar - retain the current bonus to projectile weaponry clip size
Gallente - 2% rate of fire bonus to plasma weaponry
Caldari - 2% rate of fire increase to rail weaponry

* bonuses apply to both light and sidearm weaponry

The thought process being to create a more offensive orientated suit without removing/duplicating the Commando suit bonus.
I have the same bonus for Gal/Cal because a) other bonuses I thought up were lacking compared to the Amarr and Minmatar bonuses and b) whilst both rifle types would benefit from a 10% ROF increase at lvl5, the plasma rifle would benefit more so which may bring its potency in line with the CR and RR.

It may not seem much, but the addition of a 5% damage increase for both light and sidearm and lvl 5, coupled with the current mobility and HP potential would make them quite a potent offensive threat when coupled with the racial bonuses above.

Thoughts/possibility?

Which part?
The free complex damage mod? The 10% rof increase for racial light and sidearms for Gal/Cal?
It is a fair increase in damage output which I believe is what the majority of players feel should be the Assault's main attribute whilst still being the "average" suit.

Not noticeable? Is that your final answer?
Isn't the whole idea to skill up to the max level?

Current dps
GEK - 433
Duvolle - 453

Ishukone Assault RR - 400
Kaalakiota RR - 397

Dps on proposed Assault with lvl5 skills
GEK - 500
Duvolle - 523

Ishukone Assault RR - 462
Kaalakiota RR - 459

*Does not include proficiency or calculations based on shield bonus/armour reduction

Do you notice proficiency?
Do you notice the 2% damage per level on a Commando?
Do you notice the 1% efficiency per level on boitics when running? What about the skill efficiency bonus to Cardiac regs?

My point is that you may not fully notice it in-game, but it is all calculated and makes a difference... otherwise why would anyone skill into proficiency or anything that doesn't unlock weapons, equipment or suits?

Also, if you really claim that you wouldn't notice a 14% dps increase on both shields and armour with an AR or RR, I'm sorry but I have to call BS.

So you notice high proficiency (15% @ lvl 5 to either shield or armour) but claim that you wouldn't notice a ~14% dps increase via a combo of two skills that is applied to both shield and armour?