A sniper so that I can shoot the officers and engineers
Not picking on this comment, but after reading this entire thread, a new game mode idea came into my head. What if a "Hero" game mode was developed where the player(s) play an individual role of Sniper (or Artilleryman?) and the AI controlled everything else. Imagine the pure joy of sneaking up through the woods and dropping enemy officers and such. Perhaps could do it in small groups, i.e. "with your friends". The outcome of which would modify the effectiveness or morale of that AI regiment...
Other comment on everyone wanting to be snipers - this is natural for peeps to seek a role that has some type of advantage over other players for more fun. That being said, I would NEVER have fun playing the victim. So sharpshooter class may not fit in well without some type of distinct disadvantage, (like 2 broken legs...or...)