The ability to use a sidearm along side a light weapon is a lot better than you seem to be giving it credit for.

Mass driver / SMG

Swarm launcher /SMG

AR / Flaylock

Scram rifle / Flaylock


All these options give you two clear methods of engaging hostile targets, either by allowing you to combat vehicles or by giving you a CQC weapon as well as an AOE support weapon.

I play logi and I went for Minmatar, since I want equipment slots, versatility and speed which the suit provides. I spent a long time weighing it against the amarr for the sidearm so I could use a mass driver in a support role and back it up with an SMG, its a very neat and unique option for a logi.

Amarr slot layout: (3/3/3)
Minmatar slot layout: (4/4/4)

If you gained another equip or module slot.. amarr would be a a clearly superior choice, I'd have gone for it for sure.

I completely agree. The slight stat increase that justifies the many lost slots, +the odd suit bonus, the lost pg/cpu, etc. I agree that an increase in pgu/cpu and a low slot makes it fit a little better with the other logis, but only at proto level and therein lies one issue. The extra low slot needs to be made available earlier or the added equipment slot.

The way I see it there are several progression choices - assuming the pg/cpu increases are already in play:

A _______________B____________________C
2/2/2--------------or----------2/2/2-----------------or-------2/2/2 side arm
3/3/3---------------------------3/3/3 side arm--------------3/3/2 side arm
3/4/3 side arm-------------3/4/3 side arm--------------3/4/3 side arm

I think I like C the best. Why? There is a little more balance.
A - gives you everything at proto level - and one should get a bonus each level with the side arm being the reason for this class.

B - gives both the logi bonus of more equipment and the assault bonus of the sidearm at the same time with just a slot bonus for the proto level. Seems like it is too much all at one time.

C - gives the player the initial class defining bonus of the side arm - the Assault bonus right of the bat. It establishes his role as the attack logi with the slight stat boost.
The Advanced level gives just a standard slot increase keeping with the bonuses of other suits but not quite the Logi suits which normally gets an equipment bonus. But being the assault suit it seems appropriate - not that many slot increases - so really nothing special here and keeps the class a bit frustrating as a logi without a 3rd equipment slot but in line with the idea of a Logissault.
Proto Level - gives the final bonuses. A slot increase - not large like other classes as it also has a logi increase in stats and an equipment bonus. The class definition has already been there (the side arm and slowed progression in slot increases) - and he is still middle of the road. A cross class for real.
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The Amarr is the in-between for an Assault/Logi. That being the case it should have a side arm starting out and keep the standard beginning slots and stats. Each level increase increases the pg/cpu as it does with other suits but redefining the role of the Amarr Logi in the beginning allows a progression that is understandable as the cross class suit.

While there may be some hidden power and reason behind the defeated Amarr Logi, we have yet to see it. New planned weapons or other things that I have seen do not seem to justify the future of this suit. As of now there is little draw to this suit. If the bonuses were adjusted - +5% bonus to repair on everything (vehicles you're in, tools one uses, modules used, etc.) then the gimpyness may be justified. As of now it is a broken and sad suit. A little more durable but still sad. We have yet to see the redeeming quality of this class and the question is... will we ever?

The quick fix is a slot increase, quicker sidearm gain or quicker equipment gain, with PG/CPU increases. Something must be done.

What? Where out of all that thread did you get that opinion? This is the thread of it being broke not amazing, stay on topic :P
Perhaps you could make another thread entitled "the AMARR Logi is Awesome!!" but we would certainly have to troll it. I know what you meant but i couldn't resist.