On 2005-07-11, Blackhand wrote:
Much less impressive, as soon as this thing attracts real attention when it uses its TAG system. You'll see it die within seconds.

It doesn't have the survivability factor that other mechs have because of uncased ammo, light mech armour, and an expensive extra light engine to boot.

If I had to take a lightning I'd take the stock model but not by much. Most cannon designs seem more capable or more survivable depending on whether you want to keep the XL engine or not.