The most common complaint I hear about DBS is that they are SWC heavy. DBS has a couple high SWC which I think people consider 'Mandatory'. I want to review if they are actually required, and if there is an alternative option or tactic. Brawler MSV2 Sniper (1.5 SWC): I think this is the big one. Since it's DBSs only MSV2 model. I personally don't like MSV snipers. They tend to be avoidable by camo models. I prefer my MSV on active hunting models. I would have preferred a Marksman rifle with MSV2. It saves a lot of SWC and the range is still fairly good. An alternative to MSV is to play pathfinders and use sensor/satlock tricks to reveal and target camo models. Its active hunting vs passive AROs but it saves a lot of SWC, while adding specialists to your list. The last alternative is to use see if you can use the peacemakers Armbots to remove the camo models. It pairs will with pathfinders. Druze Fireteam Core: HMG, HRL or Clipper (1.5 SWC each):This to me is the second biggest point sink. In most fireteams I usually always put an HMG as my main point weapon. Its actually become habit to start with it when its an option in a fireteam. In DBS I am a fan of the Clipper, the bonuses from the fireteam combined with the MML2 makes it mean point piece. The problem is I don't think DBS can afford two 1.5 SWC weapons in the fireteam. If you use one as point, the second becomes a SWC waste. I'm still not 100% sold on the idea but I'll probably use a clipper and replace the HMG with a marksman to save SWC. I've included the Brawler HRL in this grouping because of the cost, but I don't see being heavily use with you have the other 2 options. The assault pistol is a nice extra on the HRL, bit not worth 1.5 SWC. Tags (1.5/2 SWC): If playing a tag you need to build a list around them. I don't think anyone considers either of them mandatory. They can be SWC expensive if you are not careful on the other SWC models. For me its a trade off of a TAG or 2 peacmakers. I prefer the Peacemakers. Le Muet (1.5 SWC): Skip Spitfire Peacemaker (1 SWC): This is where I'm torn, I love these guys and want 2 in every list. It hurts when I have to trim one out to make room for other models. I've tried the Heavy Shotgun profile but its just not the same. I know this is personal preference but I think they are more important to than the MSV2. Sierra (1 SWC): I know a few people who ALWAYS use a TR HMG. I've been trying to avoid them as a crutch but I may bring them back into my usual rotation. a conservatively placed TR-bot is something to work around. Valery Gromoz (.5 SWC): Given this is DBS only regular hacker, she sort of is a mandatory model. Personal opinion: In order to have a SWC efficient list only one 1.5 SWC model should be used in the main fireteam. Its arguable which one should be point. I like the Clipper ML just for its AP/EXP destructive power, and ease to repair. My Brawler engineer is usually about 1 order away hidden behind it. It may cost a command token to re-roll the repair with a WIP 12, but its the most consistent recovery I can see. The markman rifle is my backup instead of the the HMG. Its not as good, but 1.5 SWC is better used elsewhere. I think I'll be keep using 2 Peacemakers and an Sierra for fun factor. Add in Gromoz and you already have 5 SWC. It leaves a bit of room for a couple other options such as Red furies, AHD or EVOs. I Just find the MSV sniper too expensive to justify. If I'm expecting a Camo heavy list I may replace the Sierra, but I'm rarely play against lists with lots of camo.
I wouldn't ignore Le Muet, a forward deploy, two-wound ODD MSV1 MSR is an incredibly valuable tool. He's one of the sectorial best options for DataTracker in scenarios where you need to keep him alive, or move him around the table. If your enemy lacks MSV2, or you can kill their MSV2 unit quickly with a linked HMG, then they're going to have an incredibly difficult time dislodging him. While I love the Spitfire Peacemaker, he's often been cut in favor of the heavy shotgun, to get SWC, same goes for the Sierra, which almost never makes it into my DBS lists. I very much agree however with your suggestion of only one 1.5 SWC option in a Druze link though, having both a Missile Launcher and an HMG is very valuable, with the high burst being critical for dealing with a lot of threats where a B2 weapon can't be relied on. This is also important to consider with saturation zones, since that will reduce your linked missile down to B1, but your HMG still keeps it's B4.
I never thought about saturation zones. I guess it depends on your terrain/meta. In my LGS it's usually urban. On tables with lots of it the HMG would be better than the ML. As for the shotgun vs spitfire peacemakers, I find the shotguns a little lacking. But I'be only tried them once.
I think if you don't play a TAG you can easily play a double 1,5 SWC Druze Fireteam. The MsV2 Brawler is also nice to have in such a Team because with SSlv2 it will make the main Fireteam more resilient against Camo and Smoke, which helps against does cheap Irregular Chain rifles a lot.
While it's not 'mandatory' I reckon the E/M light grenade launcher is worth talking about. In a link it can wreck HI, TAGs, remotes and disrupt Linked teams and obvious Lts. with the Isolated state. If you're advocating dropping one of the Clipper or HMG from a link, I'd strongly suggest reviewing the E/M LGL as a replacement that saves you 1 SWC and opens up a lot of play for you... Speaking of Sat zones, you can use the Nimbus grenades to set up more favorable F2F rolls for your link HMG (ie. against links that are B2). 4 dice plays 1 is better than 5 dice plays 2 and the low visibility mod is a moot point, as it swings both ways.
I do like the LGL. I didn't list it because it's "cheap". I mentioned in a different thread my current default link is Clipper ML, brawler eng, marksman, LGL, and a duo with gromoz and Lt Druze. If i do lose a model in my main like i break up the duo to get back the 5 man link.
Don't forget that a few of the ITS scenarios have saturation zones that span the whole width of the table. With or without the saturation zones though, I wouldn't impose a 1.5 SWC per team restriction on myself, there is a great argument for having both an HMG and a Missile Launcher in the same link.
The fatality level 1 E/M LGL with an X-visor in a 5 man link team is practically faction defining for the Druze in my mind. It changes the game so much.
