If you took a level 10 character up against a lvl 20 character in any game there would only be a mess left of the lvl 10. But, that's to be expected. Now, what if you have to pay for an Expansion to reach lvl 20? The lvl 10's don't have to stop playing, or buy the expansion, they just have to live with their decision. This happens countless times a year, when a game expands or goes from version 1 to version 2.
This is the best way to consider how Horizons fits into Elite. It is just like WoW releasing a new expansion. No one truly believes all those players that are capped before an expansion should get access to the new content. That's what we have here.
Another contention is; Why is it less fair that an Engineered FdL can dominate an unEngineered one, while it's fine that a Vulture can devour an Adder? What about players with g5 upgrades throughout, compared to those with just g3? As far as I have seen, or read, FD have never made claims that one can be ensured of a fair fight. There will always be cases of imbalance between the accomplishments of one players vs. another. Horizons, and the Engineers is just another version of that same situation.
I Agree, ED is also a very skill based game. Just because you have an engineered ship its not a guarantee of victory.
To many players in ED follow the same route.... 'A rate my ship.... Engineer to class 5'..... 'NOW THE GAME WILL PLAY ITSELF FOR ME.... I CANT LOSE!!...'.....
Wrong.. Learn to play the game first, The engineer mods are just the cherry on top.
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Engineers are just a feature and they have just as many setbacks as they do Buffs. Added Mass, Added heat, Added power drain, Lowered agility, etc...
Engineered mods are about customisation to your play style.... not guaranteed dominance and victory over every one you encounter.
Engineered mods are a Feature, not a Pay 2 Win hook.