Don't be a hater.
And what pve do we have?
We kill players.

Where exactly does it say it was "supposed" to be anything, and why can't we be heavy and gritty with melee weapons?

There's no real reason not to try it.also if you expand weapon types with other mechanics it will add a lot of variety.

Once the new content doesn't add any gameplay. For example adding a new gun that shoots boxing gloves and waffles is just adding a new gun of which we have plenty. Is it going to have some special function or mechanic? Does it add counterplay against any strategy's out there? Does it open up new tactical options? Play styles? Is it anything other than a massive aggressive hyperboly used a a slippery sloe fallacy?
No?
Huh.

Gallente: tower shield/ one handed sword fits with their combat doctrine of preserving combatants life and emphasis on cqc
Caldari: said trifdent because its historically paired with nets, though any pole arm would do. I propose a net/ polearm for 2 reasons; it satisfies the requests on the boards I've seen for a stasis webifier equivalent, and it fits caldari doctrine(in as much as a melee weapon can) by immobilizing the enemy, thus stopping them from closing ranks with(theoretical) gunline allies, and can be used to strand someone out of covers...a sort of advance defense. Also spears have the longest reach of melee weapons traditionally used in warfare.
Minmitar whip: because again it can be used as a snare which harkens to their Savannah hunter heritage, and is more tactically versatile if we give it a drag effect.
Amaran great sword: with av capabilitys really brings home the idea of superiority when you can kick a vehicle...


There this introduces: a new av option, and three new tactics to work into the battlefield.
They are functionally different from knives and hypothetically could help balance commandos if we give them a speed boost now that I think of it...

I remember this conversation back from yesteryear

I remember advocating for a heavy melee weapon as well, funny how things come around full circle. Anyways, here is my idea, don't judge it until you give it some thought.

Nova Boulder, with successful lab demonstrations on Endor's moon, Allotek scientists have developed a new melee weapon by harnessing the quantum crystallization found within the crust to increase the viscosity of luminous waves to a stable solid. Friend Foe Identification allows safe handling for wielders who can use these as high intensity energy shields that also have the ability to roll over enemy infantry causing massive hemorrhaging. A secondary mode can also be activated by having wielders stand atop high places to push these down on unsuspecting foes.

MAKE IT HAPPEN CCP!!

To help further the trend of soft sci fi, I also advocate for multi colored alien space chicks with "open minds", but animal mounts or pscionics work as well.

Your assessments are innacurate or unfounded:
Shield and sword(gives directional HP boost on any suit not just sentinals its an option that can be employed differently in different situations on different suits your over simply location is flawed.
Net/polearm: why SHOULDNT a net be tied to a weapon? And immobilization is useful for any number of situations, quick get away, stranding opponent out of cover for Ally's to target.
Heavy sword: like the others say the melee is just to weaken, nades are for the finish.
Whip/snare: secondary is for support, can be used to bring people into the line if fire of your allies, or to delay an opponent so an ally can get into cover.
Seriously though as someone who successfully uses nk I can vouch melee is viable and more options will open up new approaches to combat.