like in vanilla 2142 you can see what model you will be when selecting your weapon.

For me i tend to go

Looks>Required>What I like

As opposed to

Required>What I like>Looks
or
What I Like>Required>Looks

This applied to me in 2142, I would take the EU rcon with no heavy body armour, Why? because I  thought it looked the best. Also its useful to see how you will fit in with the map. Will I be the black suit grunt or the shiny stormtrooper.