I think it is a good idea to have mechanics in the game that allow characters to complete objectives without having to rearrange faces. It could be an honorable thief pulling off daring heists, or a medic, dedicated to supporting teammates rather than vaporizing opponents.
It sounds like the devs are planning to implement this in some shape or form, so I'm not worried about it being included, but how would it affect character development? Should/Would a hero be penalized XP-wise for being a pacifist?
I and others have suggested several different ideas (sorry but I don't have links to the threads right now). The Devs have been receptive so I'm hopeful. Easier to build such a thing in early tha tack it on later and make a mess of it.
One concern is leveling speed. Back in the day a Stalker could sneak through a mission, do the end fight for the end bonus and actually level a little bit faster than someone doing it the long way. As long as the speed is close I see no problem is being able to do it both ways.
I think we should have a badge for anyone who makes it to 50 without throwing a single damaging attack. Call it 'King of Ghosts' or whatever. Would likely be the rarest badge in the game until the PLers snuck in.
I remember when Star Wars was cool...a long, long time ago...
I enjoyed playing a Psy defender, using mental powers to overpower enemies' brains. Along with a few controller-types, I thought the animation for this power set gave me the feeling that I was simply knocking people down and putting them into a coma; I didn't feel like it was a violent approach based on the fun graphics.