You raise a good point.
Since a traditional 'Tower Thumper' that Firefall has could be an IP stealing issue? I wouldn't mind a 'Stock Mek-a' that is small enough to be picked up via a Dropship again. But in case that's a headache, Maybe we can possess a mining tool and a separate inventory to mine 'low quality & quantity' resources ourselves until we have enough for a full on Mek-A. but, then that removes the idea of encounters unless the drill/tool makes a bit of noise.. but, then you've got to switch weapons which can be a fuss to juggle things just to shoot a single Arahna.. Maybe a small 'Drill unit' that can be deployed like an Engineer's Turret that makes a little noise while we keep an eye on it and the surroundings instead? Then we pick it up after it's done and take it back to the nearest Refinery and put it in the 'Donations Bin' /giggle
You get the big hauls & proper encounters with a real Mek-A after you've been digging dirt for a bit.