First, back in EP III, SEGA nerfed the 11-star Elysion to a point that TE/FI were borderline inferior toward TE/BR. In addition to that, the company simplified Fighter's gameplay to a point that it's not even satisfying to play anymore.
Then EP IV comes around, and then TE/SU became a thing and demolishes TE/BR's relevance, thanks to their bag of explosive potatoes... Not only that, SEGA introduced the L/Ring Twin Machinegun Stance Up, after I worked so hard to make a killer Assault Rifle for my GU/RA; now, it currently sits in my storage -- collecting photon dust...
Fast-forwarding now, in EP V, the 11-star Rikauteri -- that I initially saved up months worth of virtual allowance -- is essentially suffering the same fate as my 13-star Astra Tremb. Worst of all, the Braver's buffed Katana PAs are STILL lackluster compared to Gurren Tensen, since that specific PA still takes the gold metals for mobility, damage, and PP efficiency in one package.
Overall, it's like I can't win with this game, because SEGA's always introducing arbitrary equipment and weapon potentials that significantly shift the balance of the game. Like, the game was at its climax during the EP II days, san the horrid class skill trees; now, people -- like myself -- have to constantly worry about the viability of their class(es) after each new Episode, instead of them addressing the elephant in the room.