More or less.
I'm thinking like three different categories: offensive (better damage for higher heat), defensive (better armor for slower sleed), and misc (faster repair for a slower startup time)
Having 'tiers' (Mk 1, 2 and 3) where the higher ones do more damage are vertical progression elements, which is something Hawken was/is better off without IMO.
well the higher amount of slots are the drawback, although it might not be enough in its current implementation.
If stat drawbacks return, the "advanced" internals would offer bigger stat boosts than "basic" or "moderate" internals but also have higher stat penalties.
i don't think i'd like the return of the offense/defense/other category system, though. I'd prefer being able to equip multiple defensive or mobility internals, though i think i can see how being able to equip multiple damageboosting ones might be an issue.
Having all internals available (for purchase) at the start instead of unlocking them would remove the vert. prog. aspect of it, wouldn't it? But different versions of the same internal ("basic", "moderate" and "advanced") should also not differ in hc/mc price, since the "stronger" versions also have bigger drawbacks.