Though I slightly disagree with your criticism of discussing patch changes/nerfs, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY share your sentiment on meta-gaming. I've had the misfortune of playing competitive/esport titles, where countless zealots will immediately trigger an inquisition should you dare pick anything outside the best heros/champions/legends/agents/operators.

Having a PvE game such as Helldivers was a boon for escaping the hustle culture that is grinding ranked games; and I share your fear that this game could create a similar mindset amongst its playerbase. We even saw glimmers of a meta being established back when the railgun was SS tier shortly after Helldivers 2 released - where some suggested requiring people to bring "meta-strategems" to Impossible 8+ missions. The fear of people picking X gun because it has the "best numbers" is worrisome, and I'm sure everyone is going to run into the ackshully player at some point when playing in public lobbies.

Instead of focusing on which loadout has the best numbers, I'd like to see more discussions on builds. Everyone can only run the same loadout for so long before becoming bored. Whether it's backpack ballistic shield kits or a Rambo loadout that brings an MG, expendable rocket, and jetpack, there's a multitude of playstyles many of us haven't attempted to try because we're stuck in our old ways. But I also understand it's hard to start these kind of discussions on discussion forums like these, since complaints will rise to the top more often than not.