What’s your opinion about items in multiplayer like Halo 3, or abilities like Halo 4??
I don’t mind… as long as everyone has even starts.
The advantage of making them pick ups is that they are easier to control. If a pickup is shown to be too weak / powerful it can easily be buffed / nerfed or if required - removed entirely. A lot harder to do if it’s a base ability everyone has fallen in love with.
If I had to choose… I think Infinite’s pick up is the way forward.
It also gives them the most flexibility going forward. This game needs to evolve for another decade!