Adjust armour profile to your own preferences. I personally moved some back armour to front after built in Smurfy as I play this as a support mech. So yes, play style. I originally designed this as a pinker that closes in to get dirty, but I play it very differently. I stay at range sniping with the AC5 and ER Large Laser. But if someone gets too close I got the SRM6+A and Mlas to give them a real good slap and have them run away. Heat isn't a major issue, but can get quite hot if you get into a brawl and keep those SRM's flying. I haven't actually died yet in this mech, but have been severely damaged by match end, and usually put out a 450-550 damage rating. Only PUG. That said, I've only played 3 matches with the load out.