>>23380819
I agree that melee is one of Kira's weaker points, but Kira's weakest area is still more than most. Even with your plan, Kira would technically still have Shinn outgunned with a beam rifle, two railguns, and one shoulder cannon left.
>Kira actually has no solo kills against the extended
He's been puking them regardless, though.
>If you rewatch the Shinn VS Kira battle carefully, once Freedom loses a wing, Force Impulse is actually faster then Freedom Gundam
Well, I'll be damned. You have a point. The difference between how Kira was handling Shinn's ranged pressure before and after is definitely worth noting. I guess my question is whether the loss in mobility was enough to push the Sword Impulse over the Freedom. I think it all depends on how quickly Shinn can realistically end the fight before Kira decides to lock in for the encounter.
I agree with your idea for the most part. Just offering my two cents.