The most serious advantage the big spenders have over FtP is not in the Mechs, not really... it is not even in the weapons themselves - it's in the combination of pay-walled Legendary Implants, Maxxed out with yet another currency - Implant Parts, equipped on maxxed out expensive Leggy Pilots. The difference in DPS, Ability duration, Reload times etc become ridiculous, & because of the gameplay mechanics in the half-baked pilot system, FtP players don't really have any CHOICE in how they wish to build their mech & play the game. That's what I've invested some $ into - being able to play in a style that's natural to me without constantly dying to Revoker Eclipse or Surge. An FtP person simply cannot compete with those who can afford to have 4 Gold Implants all at Max Level, & Maxxed Pilot - the damage difference alone, not counting the HP bonus, Reload/Range & Ability improvements are the biggest gulf between Payers & Players. The only counter for this would be Mods, which are expensive, too.