It'd be neat if they took the traditional equipment approach towards the next ZOE game. Having different parts and programs that could alter the stats or functions of the OF's weapons/maneuvers and such.

Be pretty neat me thinks.

Nah, I prefer the current static approach as ZOE/ZOE2 is. Addition of customisable parts introduces balancing elements, something veteran Armored Core players can readily testify and this can easily screw up gameplay if not done right especially if future ZOE titles provide online play.