Nice profile... :p
For me, if its not a VTOL, or a mech, its arty bait.

1) Defense below 20 - dont use
2) atack below 10 - only if it is 9, and must have more than 21 defense
3) speed below 8 - dont use
4) less than 9 clicks till salvage - dont use
5) no way to shoot into another mech at B2B - dont use
6) max range 14''? preferential treatment
7) After 3 damage, can it still hit a vtol? if Yes, use, if NO, don't use.

long, you want to tune down that font a little bit more? I had to highlight it just to read it! Worthy post though!