Playing with sneak or mercenaries leader could be fun. And must be fun.
The problem is, and remains the same.
Big gang quickly using lvl1 proxy to buy them, with caps, that others don't have, for any kind of purposes.
(this could be arguable, but i think this is the only blame we can find about them)
We should forbid proxies, or let everyone dual log. (no proxy)
Make level merc leader, to be able to control mercenaries. (no lvl1)*
Make level mercenaries to be able to fight with them. (no instant overpowering)**
Make mercenaries aquirable by various way, or be cheap (no caps abuse)
So the player who play a merc leader would be someone who actually love to PLAY with them, as followers, not grid camper or mine abusers.
Personnally, i have some mercenaries leader that i like to play.
I don't want mercenaries to be removed or underpowered because of some abuse that can be avoided without so extreme measures.
I don't want to see only two kind of players... (sniper crit, bg rocket)
As for the PVP/PVE debate, i think both sides must be equal. (the balance is already on PVP side)
Mercenaries can be only bough with 5 Magnetic perks.(one by perk with charisma requirement at each level)*
Make them start with same hp combat skills than a level 1 player, makes them very good at level 21 (no respawn)**