@Schottenjaeger
Oh, I understand the difference in terms. I would never recommend the PPC, for the simple reason that it does exactly as you described: one thing. It does it very, very well, but it still lacks in versatility and flexibility. I was more curious about the fact that ACs were pulling in so many votes. While they're flexible, you really make the chocie between a good crit-seeker (LB/X), firepower (Ultra), or general flexibility (AC and LAC). And what flexibility you get from the LAC or AC is limited, as only the Precision, and occasionally the Armor Piercing, ammo are really ever worthwhile. Whereas with missiles you receive even greater tactical flexibility, greater general utility, etc. I'm less down on ACs than I simply think there are other weapons that are far more flexible.
The Plasma Rifle is an excellent weapon capable of dealing damage, causing heat, killing combined arms, anti-air, starting fires, etc.
Missiles I already described.
Flamers are excellent multi-use tools for starting fires, clearing infantry, causing heat
Large Pulse Lasers lack some general flexibility, but are able to capably engage virtually any non-infantry target.
I was just surprised that the ACs won out over some of these designs, not that they lack flexibility and utility.