I always thought it was because they're pocket ACRs with better sights and more damage: limited only by they're shorter ranges.

I'm just love of wondering because if you use SMG/NK combo, you're better off with a CR since it takes up less PG and grants more firepower at greater ranges.

That's true, but as an NK Scout, should one really be fighting at those greater ranges: especially when one's average HP pool is around 400? I occasionally use an ACR on my MinScout and tend to only bring it out during engagements in ranges where an SMG would actually perform better. If I wasn't so heavily skilled into CRs, I'd opt to use an SMG for pure CQ damage output despite its larger fitting costs.

But... I'll stick to my BrScP/NK combo since it works for me.

^This^
I have every weapon maxed out, and I still run NK/SMG just for this reason. Within its range on a scout built to use knives, it performs better than the CR. Fast, damped, high damage from close range.

270 shield / 87 armor really isn't a suit you want to run a ranged engagement with.

That's true, but as an NK Scout, should one really be fighting at those greater ranges: especially when one's average HP pool is around 400? I occasionally use an ACR on my MinScout and tend to only bring it out during engagements in ranges where an SMG would actually perform better. If I wasn't so heavily skilled into CRs, I'd opt to use an SMG for pure CQ damage output despite its larger fitting costs.

But... I'll stick to my BrScP/NK combo since it works for me.

I guess for me its because if I am in CQC range, I am using my knives.

If I am outside of it, I am usually dead anyways, and my biggest problem are shotgunners, which can often be killed just outside their range with the CR.

Granted, most of my fits are NK/Flaylock, so I am obviously crazy.