This is just some humor, if ya don't like humor then avoid mirrors at all cost!
Anyhow there seems to be a certain obvious ranking in Armored Core circles.
The Rookie - Those who have just found out how to go PLOW (PLus and OverWeight) and think they are the baddest pilot to hit a controller. They find anyplace they can to brag about how awesome PLOW makes them think they are. Thinks Agetec actually made the game.
The Novice - Those who have done there rookie time, and have probably gotten their carcus handed to them by a real pilot enough to calm their bragging and start looking more at what the hell happened. "I mean how could I lose, I was PLOW?!?!". These people are trying to find the magic answer by asking what parts everyone else uses in a sad... sad attempt at simulating a real pilot.
The Veteran - Realizes that parts are a part of a winning equation.. and realizes that skill is more powerful then PLOW. But also understands that PLOW is still fun.. really it is. Also knows that From Software designed the game and Agetec localizes it.
The Geezer - Hates PLOW and anyone who tries it. Hates anyone who uses cheese/uber parts. Tries to get everyone to go the "Path of the Pure" and abstain from using a continually growing list of cheese parts or PLOW.
The Goober - To overexcited about Armored Core (is this possible?), wants to start an Armored Core cult. Makes plans to make an actual real Armored Core. Wants his RL friends and family to call him by his pilot name. MUST KNOW EVERY ASPECT OF THE GAME, I mean it would be a horrible thing to not know what arm part is the third down in the selection of arms in Master of Arena.. "What if From Software asked me?!?!".
Mr. Vain - Mr. Vain selects parts because they look cool. These parts may or may not function well with each other but, who cares, Mr. Vain is all about looking good. I don't think those puffy balls of fire emitting from your core is the latest fashion statement.
Mr Mix-n-Match - He believes Armored Core could be so much better if the cores looked like the mechs from Gundam and fought like the mechs in Zone of Enders and had cool spy missions like Rainbow Six!
The Statician - He analyses the numbers of every part as a way to build the perfect AC with parts based soley on their stats. Has done no actual playtesting of the parts.
This may or may not of been based on actual posters on the many Armored Core message board I have read..
Brought to you by the cruel mind behind:
The Garage: Armored Core Series Fan Site
http://www.acgarage.com/
Thanks to Staarchylld and RICKTECH for their added suggestions.