There are a lot of inconsistencies with LAMs that really bug me. Many of which have been pointed out like already. Many of the restrictions feel like they only exist just to nerf LAMs. LAMs can't carry cargo but bombs are okay?
The arguments about no equipment in multiple locations doesn't make a lot of sense either. Sure I can agree with no XL Engines and other continuous crit items like weaposn not being split between locations. Then it isn't just the LAM that's converting but the equipment too. However, Structure and Myomer already cross multiple locations. And MASC and TSM confine their bulk to a single location. Why not do that for other items as long as they'd fit? Not all Armor and Structure types take 14 or more critical slots. Plus packing them in a single location is a kind of nerf in itself, so why not? As for locations shifting about so there isn't room for bulky items, sometimes weight is enough of a penalty. Conversion Systems do take 10-15% of the LAMs weight but if bulk is needed, why not have it take a couple conversion slots?.
Then there's things like Avionics, Landing Gear, and Fuel. The first two systems occupy slots in three different locations. The third can can be in as many locations as tonnage and space permit. All three only operate in Fighter Mode. They're crit padding or bombs in the other two modes. Of course there's things we take for granted like weapons. Ammo doesn't have to be in the same location as the weapon. Power lines are also running all over providing energy where needed, so why not allow items that are spread over multiple locations to work even if only in one or two modes?
Why not allow a command console if a small cockpit is used? There's a free slot. Why make it illegal?
Why not allow LAMs to carry things externally? Right now they can't even pick up and carry cargo in AirMech mode. Which not only goes against their original fluff but aircraft can carry external items and every other unit can use cargo nets. They can also carry things internally so why not LAMs?
And of course there's OMNI Technology. If QuadVees can use it why not LAMs? Speaking of which, why not legal Quad LAMs?
Really there's a lot of tech that could be or used to be available but has been taken away, not so much because of the lawsuit but more I believe to complaints of munchkinism. A valid problem but one that exists for all units. But LAMs get Nerfed. And the targeting modifiers because AirMechs are so fast...
Really, I am okay with some of the tech restrictions. I'm okay with not using an XL Engine in a LAM or splitting an AC/20 between torso and arm locations. I'm even okay with confining some bulk to a single location but that should apply to all similar items. Likewise items split between locations that only work in one mode. If some items can do that all similar items should.
As for all the fluff nonsense about only the SLDF having the funds to develop LAMs, they didn't develop any. Private manufactures did. The SLDF bought them, or not. It's no different than a country putting out a bid for a new tank or fighter and private companies putting in their designs in hopes of winning the contract. Plus the WoB not only developed three brand new LAMs, with variants, but some how obtained and refurbished and upgraded nearly every LAM in the IS, as well as brought back lost variants. I doubt their pockets were as deep as the SLDFs but the had more LAM types. Not only that but there's some mechs that cost as much as a lance of LAMs so needing a carpet bag of money wasn't necessary.
Don't get me wrong. I don't mind LAMs being rare and between Comstar and the Succession Wars I can totally see LAM production falling but LAMs should never have gone extinct. With all the new factories and upgrades after the Third Succession War, LAMs should have seem new production, even if limited to a handful a year.
