While I agree that there is a problem with the logistics dropships compared with the assault ones, I disagree that the solution are the changes to logi that you proposed.

I've been playing with a logi + MD for six months. I have now Minmatar Logi 3 and MD Proficiency 4, but if the Light weapon slot in logi suits becomes a second side arm slot, I will stop using logi dropsuits altogether, retrain as assault and carry on using the mass driver.

At first I will only have one equipment slot for the nanoinjector, later with the second slot I will be able to fit the nanohives. In the end, I will be using an assault suit as a basic/gimped logi, but increasing my combat capabilities. It would simply reverse the current situation having people use an assault suit to perform support duties.

You may think that there can't be such a big difference between using a medium range weapon as the carabine you suggested and a MD, but what is going to happen is that assault suits will be killing logis with total impunity with tactical rifles.

It is frustrating as it is already with the 66% area nerf to MDs which make it extremely hard to hit anything further away than 50m, if I didn't even have the option of using a MD, I would just not bother using logi suits when I can get most of the joy I get from res-ing and resupplying my teammates with an assault suite without having to give up the light weapon. I would even gain a side arm slot for a flaylock or a SMG. The One or Two extra equipment slots alone would not be worth the price to pay for using logi dropsuits.

The best solution in my opinion is the obvious one, and it has been suggested further up.

Take High and/or Low slots from the logi (depending on racial flavour), and/or reduce the CPU and PG output, give them a role bonus that reduces the CPU and PG cost of equipment and suddenly assault suits become relevant again.