I used to be in favor of universal AC. But now I am against it after realizing that would mean messing with core game play yet again. However, I have an alternate solution!
Although they aren't officially so, internals can break down into three types: Offense, Defense, and Movement. They break down even further into three sub-types: Passive Boost, Conditonal Boost, and Activated Boost. The Air Compressor is the only Activated Boost internal in the game. Imagine it as an Ability with an extremely short cool down. No other internal does this. So instead of messing with the Air Compressor, let's have more Activated Boost internals instead! One for Offense and one for Defense at the least. Here's an example of what they could look like:
Offense - Safety Release - 3 slots
Mechs with an Overheating warning can now temporarily stop automatic shutdown from the Overheated status and continue fighting past 100% heat. When the effect ends, the mech still shuts down from Overheated, and Overheated lasts longer based on how far the mech went past 100% heat. Incompatible with other Activated Boost internals.
Defense - Personal Shield - 3 slots
Mechs at full health can now have their drone construct a damage-absorbing shield. The shield's health points diminish over time. Incompatible with other Activated Boost internals.
Edited by HugeGuts, 17 October 2015 - 11:32 PM.