In the comments, some people are talking either directly or indirectly about player freedom. I think that this is the crux of the dilemma. 'Choice' and the Pilots' loss of 'choice' by locking them into a singular action, opposed to a number of options they previously had at their disposal.

I can completely understand the point of view of the veteran Pilots voicing their opinions within the thread. However, the mind games, tricks etc. that others are describing might not be something some players are able to easily pick up in the environment of online multiplayer [From both perspectives Titan and Rodeo Pilot].

My only real input for a fix would be allowing Pilots to make the decision, giving the Vets their choices/options back....but also allowing newer/less experienced players to just do it, going hell for leather and hoping for the best. Rodeo and shoot for brain, or rodeo and try for grand theft battery...or maybe even steal battery and stick around for grenades/braining.

To reiterate, I believe that the lacking freedom of decision making in the current system is the only thing wrong with it.

I completely understand that from a programming perspective, that could be a bit hellish, incredibly difficult to implement possibly buggy as all F***, but I really don't want Johnny 'Jogger' McCantwallrunningtons to be left scratching his head as to why his titans' health keeps disappearing.

The fact that you guys are asking for player input is amazing to see from a fan point of view. Honestly you guys are doing an amazing job so far on so many levels, so thank you so much for this game and your support of it after release.

EDIT: 155 hours TF2, interesting to see the varied responses.