So today I went and compared the stats on the commando and the sentinel.

Commando suit has two light weapons, and a marginally faster movement and sprint speed
1 equipment
0 high and low fitting slots
Costs 8000+ ISK

Sentinel has a heavy weapon and a sidearm
No equipment
Almost twice the health and shielding
Better shield recharge
1 high and 2 low fitting slots
Costs me 0 ISK as I have a BPO, but I know the normal version isn't any 8000

So you have the choice between 2 moderately good weapons, a bit of runspeed, and the lack of ability to modify or beef up your suit in any way vs. one incredibly good weapon and 1 kind of crappy one, insane amounts of health, enough slots to make some decent modifications. Oh and the crappy suit can drop a nanohive or repair people.

What gives? Is there anyone out there who plays a commando and is satisfied with the power level?

Personally I couldn't imagine playing a fatsuit without massive amounts of HP. Seems like they pre-nerfed it in a similar fashion to the plasma cannon, but I'm prepared to hear some contrary opinions.

Why would you want to light weapons when the best weapon in the game is a sidearm... O.o