I think you've raised some really well thought out points here, and i'm inclined to agree.

Pre nerf i would dread seeing a setup wattson as you just knew it was going to be a rough battle. Now however she just doesn't  feel like a threat.

Caustic however when played correctly dominates in area defence. His tactical will literally stop you in your tracks more often than not. *wraith excluded*

If it wasn't for caustics slow mechanics on abilities he would really be a force to be reckoned with.

I think you've raised some really well thought out points here, and i'm inclined to agree.

Pre nerf i would dread seeing a setup wattson as you just knew it was going to be a rough battle. Now however she just doesn't  feel like a threat.

Caustic however when played correctly dominates in area defence. His tactical will literally stop you in your tracks more often than not. *wraith excluded*

If it wasn't for caustics slow mechanics on abilities he would really be a force to be reckoned with.

@MandatoryIDtagWell, I don’t mean wattson isn’t a threat, her abilities are still good if used perfectly with her squad and she can hold down an area or at least slow a push for a short time. Caustic is just better at holding those people out. It’s really good that her team might not have to waste shield cells in long range fights, especially after the backpack nerf, but after the grenade changes, she/her ult just isn’t as useful anymore. The only thing you really have to worry about are Gibraltar/bangalore ultimates and they can be avoided most of the time at the cost of possibly giving up positioning (usually if you’re on high ground without overhead cover), or with the use of another ability like Gibraltar’s dome/wraiths portal. But yeah, seeing that generator isn’t that big of a deal anymore since you’ve most likely traded your limited backpack space for ammo and heals.

Even wraith being excluded from caustics gas with her tactical, if she were to try and push through the gas (if they’re holed up in a skull town building for example), she’s at a disadvantage because 

• she’s separated from her team
• she can’t see anyone/traps while she’s in phase
• will probably get lasered by all 3 people on the other team lol

I had an exact game where I lost solely because the other team had a caustic. Kinda wished I clipped it now to show you because it was a good game before the ending and I was just so upset about it that I didn’t clip it lol. I waited in a building because I was solo and there were three squads left, the 3rd squad ended up being solo too so they killed him quick and the caustic had immediately thrown gas blocking my exit (the ring was right at my back, really small circle), broke down the door so I had to phase out into the open, and got lasered by all three people. I almost downed one before getting sniped by a Kraber lol. I haaaate facing caustics

@Pri0rityGaming1Not to mention that a Wraith who uses her tactical to push through the gas cannot attack the enemies that see her coming for a solid second and has no exit strat anymore, its a 3v1 in a locked area.

Caustic is also simply better cause he can be used offensively, he is one of if not the best third party legend in the game, and can be used to breach buildings by gassing people out if needed, lock down kills deny snipers, seperate enemies and revive people safely.

Caustic has a lot going for him and hes arguably well balanced, he just has a bad reputation cause many people who have yet to master him end up unintentionally griefing their own teams.

As a Caustic main since nearly the beginning, I find it rather weird that he is surging in popularity. His negatives are still glaring, nothing has been done to speed up his abilities, and he is generally a wide target.  

It is just weird that people are starting to see him for his perks at long last. Downside, I haven't been able to play him for a days LOL

@Palor0I think pro Caustic mains who played at the tournaments (and won) like Lowley are to either thank or blame for that, up to you.

I also wouldnt like Caustic to get a big buff, perhaps some minor QoL, because a Caustic meta would be very annoying for everyone, including Caustic mains.