Some interesting points there.
And I agree, balance definitely does not make boring. It's all about trade offs.
Let's take a PE as an example. I should be able to have multiple setup options.
E.g. High defenses using a lower TL weapon such as a Termi or Pain Easer or sacrifice some defence to go for higher offense with something like a Reaper or Desparado.
Ideally both should stand an equal chance, one is able to mitigate more damage, whereas the other is aimed around doing more up front damage.
Hope that makes sense.