They really don't want you looking at too many weapons or mechs, just whatever the current META gear is being sold. Unfortunately, with more diverse equipment potential, their ability to force spending through the release of new gear that (would) overshadow the old gear decreases. Plarium has done the research; they know they make way more money off of people who need ridiculous gear when compared to current available. People won't spend thousands for balanced gameplay, they spend the big bucks to be stronger than their opponents so they can easily win matches (if the state of p2w shows us anything at this point).

Couple this with ai paywall and you realize, Plarium didn't really make a battle arena game; the real game here is can Plarium convince you that you are so bad at the game that you need to continue spending in order to beat weaker opponents and dumb scripted ai. Sadly, A LOT of players lost this game.😂

While I think this is somewhat correct, we all know maxing stuff out no matter what it is takes a lot of resources and many that means spending in the final stages to make up for lost blueprints.  With that said, They can stand to make easier money by giving some older weapons some play.  I know plenty of players who would do that to not only mix up their play but also to finish hard achievements for specific weapons that are hard to use (like autocannons).  I just see it as ow hanging fruit.  

Would this eclipse the new item that comes out?  Not likely.  I doubt added stat boosts on autocannons with ever compete with the likes of EM Rifles.  But its another carrot they could add that to me would be a win-win.  Meta get boring.  Having other goals to focus on outside of the meta and tdm will lengthen gameplay experience while still netting profit.  At least that's how it appears to me.  Just 2 cents though.