Unfortunately, as somebody who doesn't pilot Ravens, I can't chime in with the kind of ideas you want. As somebody who HUNTS Ravens, and has been around since this build came out, I can say that I've seen a lot of it, and both the strengths and weaknesses of this build really limit who should use it. I'll be honest - I've killed these mechs without being able to target them. My issue with the way most people play this setup is that they stand totally still, and try to get the maximum burn time. Because of that decision, if the pilot isn't skilled enough to have half-decent cover, or to scoot as soon as the beam stops, a counter-sniper comes into play. I used to use Gauss Rifles and PPCs, if not my own Large Lasers, to trace the mech and kill it early. If that doesn't work, or I'm not running a sniper loadout of my own, I report it's location for our lights and light-hunters, and leave it to them. While it's good for lots of damage, that really only comes into play when in the hands of a pilot who is either used to sniping, or is smart enough to move when they come under fire. It's also one that struggles to fight against a light designed for close quarters, thanks to the burn time of it's primary weapons. Also, to the stuff about people calling this build cowardly? I used to do that, back when ECM shrouds were overpowered, team-shielding nightmares. It was the same way I'd refer to any ECM mech that sat, alone, and abandoned it's team to die while they went for maximum damage, and Ravens were the worst offenders. Now that ECM doesn't shroud as well as it used to, I accept them. I don't like them, but I accept them.
if he's getting 80 kills how are you losing? Forget that for a second... This is not a selfish build. It's a sniper build and a very effective one. Snipers hide. A sniper that is out in the open for all to see is not a sniper, he's dead. A snipers job is to kill, and kill fast... it is his objective. So from your statement above basically what you are saying is it is extremely selfish to do your job, and do it well. This bird makes an excellent scout, has ECM for cover, and in the right hands can save a match. Now to answer my own question. If your raven sniper is getting 80 kills and you lose, it means the rest of the team is not doing it's job. <== That's a period there.
Could still totally use an XL295 though It's not like the left arm is used, or the head is in much danger.