I really like BF2 and now BF2142. I play in a loose 4 man squad with co-workers and friends from my area, we're not a clan though, just 4 guys together in a squad. We also don't play together all the time, only when we can make it. I can't speak for the other fellows but I can tell you why I like the game. I like the rock/paper/scissors style of gameplay, with few exceptions like the jets for example. BF2142 seems to be better balanced and a good squad can actually fend off wave after wave of armored attack, which is a great option.
In BF2 I did the best in armor or an APC, then second best as a sniper. The key was not rushing into flags but building up critical mass before capping a well defended flag. An APC standing on a hill while troops rushed in was a very effective tactic. This is a bit different in BF2142 as a walker has an advantage at close range, but can't defend itself well enough from a distance attack. This forces walkers to commit to flags quickly while leaving tanks further back.
I guess in the end I like the dynamic tactics. I like finding the hole in the enemy method and finding a way through it, which they will no doubt react to in turn. Sometimes that means picking up a sniper rifle, sometimes a tank, it all depends on the situation. The challenge for me is finding the most effective tactic faster than the other team.
I'd suggest to anyone having problems with negative K/D ratios to start off with defending a flag. Make mental notes of who's killing you, with what weapons, where they're coming from, and how many. Very often you'll see a pattern and you can adjust to that. If they're always rolling in tanks then set yourself up with mines or an anti-tank stance. If it's troops then maybe you can sit back with a sniper rifle and stop them. Just keep in mind that your goal is to first off create doubt in the opposing teams plans, second is to kill people. You'd be amazed at the mental effect of snipers rounds on troops in a wide open field, as well as AT mines in a confined space. Use this to your advantage and you can hold off half an army with minimal folks, or even by yourself.
Here's my BF2S page...
http://bf2s.com/player/43371804/ Note that while I do have a lot of time in armor it's less than 1/3 of my total playing time. Getting in a tank is icing on the cake, and not required for positive K/D.
