If there was similar thread, I apologize-I browsed through section a bit but found nothing...
Basically, it seems to me kinda unrealistic to have laser and bolter weapons research at start. In research proposal, there's said they "have some ideas." Going from ideas to perfectly working weaponry in a month, that's strange. The greatest problem with these weapons is energy requirements, and that's not a thing to be solved so quickly...I believe these weapons should unlock after player researches first plasma weapon, since it might provide solution to this. But, what should player start with? There are some weapons projects banned, but since humanity is now facing enemy that isn't bound by human moral standards...
Another possible thing is "hybrid" weaponry, modifying plasma weapons to fit human ergonomics, and possibly enhancing them with some human features like laser sights etc...and applying plasma technology, who wants plasma based flamethrower?