However, the shorter range of the SMG seems like it would be a problem on some of the bigger, more open maps. How does this work for you on the drug lords map?
Actually not good at all. The bigger maps are always a problem for me, mostly because there is not enough cover available
(If i have the nano-armour its not that bad but on a map like the one where you cross some river, the aliens kinda snipe me. The AI has a weakness though, the aliens tend to aggregate in one spot... if i manage to run to the building in the lower left side, i can normally move to any other place on the map without being under fire. For some reason you can happily wade through the water so you dont even have to cross the bridges at all, and there are a few spots where the aliens will never shoot at you but you are in a rather good position for a reaction fire, i.e. near the middle of the bridge a bit closer to boxes with cover)
The biggest problem actually is that some aliens are way too tough for the SMG... i think one has to use different weapons, but i am not completely happy with them either... IMHO, grenade launcher and flame throwser are pretty good weapons although they have limited ranged.
My hope is that the Machine gun could be improved a tiny bit. Maybe firing more shots, or having more firepower (I'd be happy if it is slower too)
Or could we maybe even have a huge machine gun? hehe...
Anyway, to answer your question - my strategy sucks in many situations. (I still love being able to shoot so many times tho)