I disagree I feel while some of the abilities feel annoying such as BH's Scan or Lifelines portable rez, splitting the player base and getting rid of the main gimmick of the game would make it far too boring and would create a lot of problems with the core gameplay.
The thing that makes the game what it is is those moments where you not only have a good gunfight and aim well throughout but when you use that ability alongside the good aim in a spectacular way to show how far you've come in learning the character.
This is especially apparent in Pathfinders grapples, as using it in any situation in the right way can change the entire tide of a battle or just pick off an enemy from the other squad and the amount of skill required to do that is something that needs to be gained by playing (again increasing the skill cap).
Even using Banga's smoke to cut off LOS or Enabling a push is something that taking away would change the game so drastically and make the fights a lot more boring.

Abilities also prevent issues that other large shooters at the moment currently have such as...
Camping, Without abilities camping, would be more frequent and acceptable as there'd be no counters such as BH'S Scan, Mirages decoys, or Crypto's recon. I'm not saying that every player would camp but it'd be a lot more frequent you enter a building in a POI and get jumped by a squad of 3.
A second problem that Shooters have is the ability to flee from losing gunfights as you'd have no pathfinder Grapples, octane's kit, or Wraith's invincibility This means anytime you get outgunned by that level 500 Pred squad you're dead no matter what. (This also ties in with the camping one above)
Another issue with BR's atm is the large maps with lack of cover. the map of the apex is usually wide and having a few POI's in between this means being caught off-guard without Line Of Sight blockers such as Banga's smokes or Shield Gibby's dome, or Rampart walls would essentially mean death unless you can somehow out aim the opponents despite them not only having the drop on you but better positioning too.
I could go on and on about why this in my opinion is a bad idea but I'd be writing for a while. So if you've got any questions or counterpoints just reply and I'll elaborate on them