So basically you're saying that skilling into a dropsuit would simply allow you to fit better level modules? You keep the STD, ADV and PRO determined by the modules equipped instead? I REALLY like this idea.

With this idea, how would ISK prices work? Because right now there is quite a difference between the price of a standard and prototype suit.

Also most this stuff sounds wonderful, especially how each Tech 2 suit would get a different slot configuration than the tech 1s, which is a big problem right now. What time frame are we talking though for when such a thing could be implemented?

If they changed the slots to sidearm I would expect another respec because I know my fellow Caldari Logistics people would hate to be stuck with a sidearm. Personally I haven't even gotten to play yet because update 3.04 keeps getting 80710723 error before finishing then making me start from the beginning.

After a bit of thought, I'm good with the skill change and advanced/proto removal (only for suits though, it MUST stay for gear). The skill system you propose would make having multiple suits of each class workable like EVE ships, and increases the value of the skills, which are kind of underwhelming as it.
Current advanced and proto could maybe come back with the player market in the form of faction army and pirate gear from limited rewards. Nubs earn it, sell it to vets for a windfall, and we use it for those special occasions for that edge.

I really need to recommend you stop defending the idea of sidearm only logi, Wolf. It isn't a good one, let it die man. A reason isn't needed as an excuse, just advocate straight up for more variety of sidearms (and heavy weapons), but don't just give something up as a pressure to get them.

If you're really hung up on a sidearm logi with appropriate bonuses, push for it to be a Type-II, or Type-III even, and let the meta decide what's more awesome.

Wait, isn't the Caldari Logi the real problem?

I don't mean to sound snarky when I ask that, I am just wondering what your end goal for this thread/idea is? Simply to see if people like it, or to try and get CCp to act on it?

Well I am in a difficult pickle of how to lower the combat edge of the logistics that would not compromise the entire suit. The Logistics Suit's Tank, Utility, and Flexibility of the suit is far too crucial to ignore as the class's niche own attributes but the simple fact its far too good in combat with the damage output... I am open to other ideas on tuning the damage output down without making the class useless.

You're aware IWS is a member of the CPM, right?

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.

Agreed with everything you said as a *former* Mass Driver user, only I think the solution is to improve the Assault suits rather then nerf the Logi suits.

Yes, I am wondering if this is something he is actually trying to get CCP to do or if this is just an idea he is kicking around. If it is something he is trying to push, how much does he actually think they would change to their core system?

EDIT: Wait wait, I ****ing got it, how you can have your cake IWS. Ships in EVE can have bonuses like "20% reduced CPU need for Cloaking Devices per level". Leave the light and sidearm slots as is, add a bonus (either straight or divided by level) "90% reduced CPU and Powergrid need for Sidearms", and cut the suit's CPU/PG by one sidearms worth. You can run the same fit you have right now, OR have more CPU/PG available by running two Sidearms instead. Options expanded, no nerfs!

Yes, I am wondering if this is something he is actually trying to get CCP to do or if this is just an idea he is kicking around. If it is something he is trying to push, how much does he actually think they would change to their core system?