I really don't like where Rattati's going with the Assault, but i understand the motivation. Increasing hp is a safe answer, but it's about as uninspired as it gets.

Tbh i feel the same way about the proposals to increase dps & rof, but agree with the sentiment that the assault should be the class that pushes objectives.

Buffing hp and/or dps just leads to more disparity between vets and noobs, and leaves us playing the brick tank/dps game.

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So if we don't buff tank and dps what do we do?

My answer is buff by 2-3%/lvl of assault suit operation all the skill/abilities that allow an assault to apply damage: sprint speed, range, dispersion, reload, shield/armor recovery rate & delay, ammo capacity, melee, resupply rate, respawn time. Why? Because these buffs would do very little to help hapless noobs, but would be powerful in the hands of a competent merc. They are a buff for assaults who know how to assault, without inflicting hp inflation or dps inflation on the game.

Defining the assault suit around all those 'soft' skills also allows it to be a strong generalist suit, and as an added bonus we prolly wouldn't see a repeat of fotm fiascoes like the heartbreaking sadness that is the heavy/RR combo.

Imagine facing your mirror image opponent, but with them basically 10 to 15 percent better at everything. How is that fight going to go?

Buffing the soft skills will allow assaults to apply pressure sooner, harder and longer, and also allow them to quickly react and flexibly adapt to changes in the battlespace around them.

this is a idea for the ages someone give this man 10mill isk.

Actually, the intended role is to provide protection, oxygen, and a power supply to the user.
Killin' folks is the intended role of their weapons