I tried to get into the Pubs vs. Pros event recently, but I had an event going on on the same date at the same time. :/ The Spies on the Pub team were probably better than me anyways. In regards to your weapon list Woodsy:
- I was okay with Natascha before, I just didn't like how a Heavy could slow me to a crawl all the way across the map. I think the nerfs given to it may have been a little gratuitous - they should have just made the slowdown scale over distance. I still use it when really good Scouts are pissing me off.
- I really don't think -15 HP is that debilitating, though people seem to interpret that as "oh no the slightest thing will kill me now." You still have a fair amount of health, and the number of times I've stunned a Heavy that would have otherwise rolled a bunch of defenseless teammates or myself have been well worth the HP loss. It's a damn sight better than no double jump.
- I don't really grasp the whining for this one. Any time I wrangle a Sentry my intended target always seems to get to cover before I can kill them. Though I suppose what really annoys people is the shield, but I've never had a problem with it. As a Spy, the Wrangler is actually a blessing, because most Engies Wranglin' stand stock still next to their Sentries, and then it's an easy stab + sap.
- I don't have one, so I can't really comment. I've heard Shortstop + CaC is pretty effective though, as it removes the heavy damage falloff of the Shortstop during the crit time. I hate the overvaluing of Vintage CaC on the trade market though.
- Eh, some people swear by the Milk, but I prefer the Pistol or even Bonk!.
- I try and use the Backup, but I always seem to die when I get the charge, especially when I'm just blowing the horn. Even then, the damage reduction doesn't seem that great for a mere 8 seconds worth. Looks nice though - perhaps reduce damage taken to 150 before it can be used?
- I've recently been hearing a lot of moaning about these, especially from the competitive scene. I don't like them personally, as when I bring out melee, I WANT to melee, not be hindered by a 100% melee weakness. Shame that a weapon so cool-looking has to be brought down by such a lame downside.
There's my thoughts - I have to ask any Soldiers though: Do you prefer the Black Box or the regular Launcher?