[Alneyan]

The big problem of the Meson BLasters is that they are outgunned compared to the latest APBs, while being slightly more expensive. So you either go directly for the APB (APB VII isn't so much behind MB VI if memory serves, and costs less in research), or have to do additional research to get the Meson BLasters before heading for your regular APBs.

If they had one or two more levels bringing them above the APB, I would certainly consider them to be a viable option for range-6 fighting. As it stands, they lack a bit of a punch, and have a narrow window where you can use them at your advantage.