I've actually been out of the game for a few years, and coming back. I've played 5 games in the last month with family, and a friend of mine who is just getting into BT.
BV is overrated. And from an in universe perspective makes no sense.
I would suggest instead of using BV for TT games just use a tonnage cap or weight restrictions. This is pretty much the way I've always played.
I usually play with either one or two other players in a free for all. We play with anywhere from 1-4 mechs each and it usually takes 4-5 hours for anything more than two each. BT really is a game that really requires you to use three mechs + for optimal most fun gaming experience (more than a lance, and the game time goes waaay up). Anything less, and you are missing out on the "unit" aspect of things, and its basically luck of the dice and stand there and shoot each other.
Last nights game looked like this and was a very balanced, fun 5 hour game (Players choice of Heavy, Med, & Light)
Vonshroom: Grasshopper, Dervish, Panther
Dad: Warhammer K, Vindicator, Firestarter (Winner)
Jake: Catapult K2, Vindicator, Spider
Sticking to the 3025 era we usually play something like everyone chooses 4 mechs. Choice of a Heavy, two Mediums, and a Light. Or 3 mechs, Heavy, Med, Light. (We find this optimal and most fun.) But really you can make it any weight class you want. Sometimes we'll just play a 200 ton limit. 3-4 mechs of mixed weights really lets you use mechs for the purposes they were designed, i.e. brawler, scout, sniper, LRM support, etc. VS just having a slug fest.
We strictly use mechs, mostly because I am playing with two newer players who prefer mech combat anyways, as do I.