Seems like a lot of the things you wanted for LR did get incorporated into AC4. 
(Just talking from the perspective of AC:LR)
Movement
Yeah, ZOE showed that you can still make sexy mecha on the PS2. But given the differing natures of ZOE and AC, I think it's fair enough.
As for knock-back, it is indeed present in the game in the form of stun. It's not as dramatic as in the FMVs but it does play a big enough part in the game without detracting from the action. Imagine if ACs could in fact fall over in-game. Will there be moments when you'll simply have to wait for the getting-up animation to kick in while your enemy continues to pummel you? I don't think a game that removes control from you in the middle of competitive action is very fun.
Maps
In AC2, if I remember correctly, there was a map where you could destroy buildings. SL also introduced Military District which had destructible structures. I don't think they could have done so much better given the limitations of the PS2. But yes, I do wish that they included more maps like Military District.
Multiplayer
Yep, PS2 ACs are definitely lacking in that department. They really only had 1on1 in mind. I can't speak for the next-gen ACs.
Parts
To be fair to FROM, LR's probably one of the most balanced AC games they've ever done. It's the only AC game I've played where I actually consider every leg type (except RJs) to be tournament-viable.
Yes, the EO department is somewhat lacking. But OB doesn't suck as much as I initially thought. /UL, UL2, ATLAS, and EOS are all very good cores. EOS is probably even top-tier.
And yes, Python completely sucks balls.
(Just talking from the perspective of AC:LR)
Movement
Yeah, ZOE showed that you can still make sexy mecha on the PS2. But given the differing natures of ZOE and AC, I think it's fair enough.
As for knock-back, it is indeed present in the game in the form of stun. It's not as dramatic as in the FMVs but it does play a big enough part in the game without detracting from the action. Imagine if ACs could in fact fall over in-game. Will there be moments when you'll simply have to wait for the getting-up animation to kick in while your enemy continues to pummel you? I don't think a game that removes control from you in the middle of competitive action is very fun.
Maps
In AC2, if I remember correctly, there was a map where you could destroy buildings. SL also introduced Military District which had destructible structures. I don't think they could have done so much better given the limitations of the PS2. But yes, I do wish that they included more maps like Military District.
Multiplayer
Yep, PS2 ACs are definitely lacking in that department. They really only had 1on1 in mind. I can't speak for the next-gen ACs.
Parts
To be fair to FROM, LR's probably one of the most balanced AC games they've ever done. It's the only AC game I've played where I actually consider every leg type (except RJs) to be tournament-viable.
Yes, the EO department is somewhat lacking. But OB doesn't suck as much as I initially thought. /UL, UL2, ATLAS, and EOS are all very good cores. EOS is probably even top-tier.
And yes, Python completely sucks balls.
