Once encased plasma becomes plentiful, I use assault rifles for almost everyone, including CRC. For CRC (and even at longer ranges) I use smoke before firing, in groups of at least two. One throws smoke, the other fires = no reaction fire received.
I have plasma blades as a backup, but almost never have to use them.
I use laser rifles even late game as a training weapon. New recruits get a laser rifle because of its great accuracy, and once they are more experienced, they are granted an assault rifle. This serves another, more sinister purpose: I can see at first glance who are less experienced and therefore more expendable.
