How do we beat GH2 with only Mecha Piloting?

[EuchreJack]

In another topic, the challenge was made to beat the game with only mecha piloting.  Unfortunately, I do not have the time (or the ability, lol) to do so.  But so as to not derail other topics, I open this one up for discussion, as well as giving my ideas.

First, we must remember that it is not just skills that determine rolls, as stats also play a big part.

Second, only reflexes will be raised by the PC, as only reflexes is being raised.  All others must start at maximum.

Third, with only mecha piloting, we need to put exactly zero skillpoints into Knowledge.

Fourth, use weapons with scatter, hyper, or blast.  Those will hit regardless of skill, usually.

Final idea: Lancemates.

It will be slow, but I believe someone can win with only mecha piloting!  Go team!

[Joseph Hewitt]

Don't forget to start as a faction member- this will give you access to guaranteed missions, which will come in handy since you don't have any other skills.

[Daemonward]

The Jack of All Trades talent (may use unknown skills without -2 penalty) might be useful as well.

[Francisco Munoz]

I reached chapter 5 with a Corporate Executive with no other skills that the ones I got randomly after just adding points to Mecha piloting.
 Not a single combat one (IIRC Shopping, Medicine, Taunt,  Spot Weakness). All experience is going to mecha piloting.
 As a themed mecha reward got an Icewind with an Ink Rifle & Dust rifle (both scatter!) but sadly as installed torso weapons. With no mecha engineering there is no chance to get them out.
 I'll try to post more details from the computer with the save file later.

[Erathoniel]

Spot Weakness is my favorite combat skill. I don't think it's technically a non-combat skill by any definition other than not giving you a better chance to hit. It has an astronomical effect on damage, the purchase of five points for a well-rounded soldier can raise 0-10 damage rounds to triple-digit damage massacres, because you don't hit all the unnecessary stuff.

It's like if you were playing Dwarf Fortress, and you were able to ignore the other guy's armor. Instant kill, practically, since you cripple your foe very quickly. Of course, you couldn't *hit* first try, so it would take a while, but what is mecha piloting for, other than buying time to take a shot?

[plllizzz]

but what is mecha piloting for, other than buying time to take a shot?

TO CLOSE DISTANCE AND TEAR THEM TO SCRAPS!!!

[CCC]

I've had a thought. Is it possible to beat the game without mecha piloting?

Think about this; the aim of mecha piloting is to allow you to move around in a mecha and not get hit, right? But if, instead of mecha piloting, you start out with electronic warfare and a Trailblazer mech, which has ECM gear, then surely you should still be able to not only survive, but win mecha battles just as easily as someone with piloting but without electronic warfare, shouldn't you?

Plus you'll have a long range scanner, a useful bonus.