That was probably me as I have an unhealthy affection for the SHD.
It’s not as noticeable in this game because you’re controlling more than one mech, but in the PnPRPG when you’re controlling only your own ride and nothing else the combination of energy and conventional weapons and the mobility from jump jets gave you something to do every single turn, which was a boon.
I immediately put my own character in the Shadow Hawk here. Then got a pilot crit through the cockpit glass and had to go to hospital for two months.