Alpha Strike is definitely more my speed. The rules are more streamlined letting you get more minis on the table or have quicker games and while they do kind of remove some of the uniqueness of Mechs they also make a bunch of Mechs that would never be viable absolutely playable.
With regard to the 5J: the SSRM-2 is just a weird weapon system in the first place. If you’re not using fractional accounting, the minimum investment is 1.5 tons and 1 crit for the weapon and 1 ton and 1 crit for 50 shots, for a weapon that deals 4 damage for 2 heat at the same range as a medium laser. That same humble medium laser is 1 ton, 1 crit, 5 damage, and 3 heat.
The only reasonable use for these tiny SRM systems is for missions where mass, volume, or longevity is a concern… but the medium laser has less mass, less volume, and perfect longevity. The single additional point of heat can be made up for with a heat sink that fits neatly where the ammo would otherwise be, and now you’ve saved half a ton overall.
Who is this weapon system for?
Edit: I guess the main benefit is if your 'mech is not heat neutral then you save heat on turns that the SSRM doesn’t acquire a lock, but if saving 2 heat when you miss is a noticeable benefit I feel like you have other problems. It makes more sense with the larger launchers.
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