A LA is actually one of the better classes for dueling a Max, insofar as that it can use mobility and verticality to avoid fire while doing damage with hit-and-run tactics. If they just ran straight at you while unloading, though, then it's entirely your own fault for not killing them. That aside, no, it isn't P2W, at least as far as infantry is concerned. I die just as often to single-digit BR players with stock weapons (including the stock weapons that
aren't awesome) as to people with obscenely high BRs. ESFs? Yes, half of the game with them is shelling out cash for missiles and rockets. Tanks? Yes, for the primaries. Libs? Gog, yes.
I like running around as an Engie, since I have bad FPS in firefights I like the support role.
Hacking turrets on enemy bases is also neat... >.>
Anyone have any tips for VS weapons to unlock first? I'm thinking the bolt-action sniper rifle for 100.
That's one way to take it, though honestly if you're dedicated to playing Infiltrator it would probably just be best to save for the Parallax. The Artemis is a good alternative to the SMG if you want more firepower for close-medium range.
As for all-around good VS weapons to go for:
1. Solstice SF. It's the Vanu s-variant carbine, has all the tasty underbarrel attachments, three fire modes, and is usable by both the Engie and LA.
2. If you play a lot of HA and don't like the low battery capacity/high recoil of the Orion (in other words, if you want a LMG rather than an assault rifle), I enjoy the SVA-88 quite a bit.
3 NS-11a. It's the only way to roll as medic. One of the few infantry weapons that I would not at all hesitate to call an upgrade.
That aside, both AT and AP mines for the Engie are critical if you play it at all.
On the note of paying real cash: Wait for a 3x or 2x SC day, then save that and wait for things you want to go on sale. You can unlock a substantial amount of stuff for 10-15USD if you are careful about when you buy.
Oh, and the VS Max sucks, except for AA. You're never going to do well in it unless you have put virtually all of your certs into it, and even then a decently upgraded NC or TR Max will still mess you up. People like to cry about VS being OP, but for some reason they always forget that our Maxes are absolute shit. There's a reason you rarely/(n)ever see a VS Max Crash.