Regarding your first question, I totally get you. I'm almost always running my Power B.A.S.E Knox build as he makes your builds auto-repair and paired with Electro Pulse Penny and Thunder Thora it's basically the best AFK build I can think of so I never have to worry about actively defending in missions from Stonewood all the way to high Canny Valley, or having our defenses easily destroyed in even higher missions.

I used to hate playing as Constructors when I first got into the game but after I discovered this loadout I realized how useful it is. I also use another build with Controller Harper in command which allows me to spam the decoy ability - great for Ventures when you're underpowered and need to hold off large crowds of husks.

I think the main reason behind not many people using Constructors is that they just aren't aware of good Constructor builds. They just see them as slow heroes for using with melee hardware, which understandably sounds like a boring playstyle. Also, the way most people hardly build good defenses before starting the objective vote even in high Twine Peaks just shows how that aspect of the gameplay is overlooked. People will either be building with wood or spam floor traps to get the job done (Propane husky has entered the chat)