This is just something I thought of after reading some posts and of course my own thoughts on Specializations. I really see them as having two completely opposite possibilities. (Removal not being one of them)
Option 1- Specializations are purely aesthetic. They would unlock only visual changes and nothing gameplay altering at all. The fun in pursuing them would come from being able to say you completed it and wowing your friends or unnerving your foes with difficult to achieve visual unlocks. Examples- a different kind of knife for assassinations that disintegrate enemies, or weapon skins. Possibly different colored powerups like a black overshield.
Option 2- Specializations are the only way to unlock the game changing aspects of the game such as packages and armor abilities. Each 10 level specialization unlocks at least one support and one tactical package, as well as one special loadout weapon, and one armor ability. An example of the Operator specialization level chart.
1- Armor Design
2- Visor Design
3- Wheelman Package for stronger vehicles.
4- Emblem Design
5- Armor Variant
6- Visor Skin (possibly two tone variant)
7- Survivor Package to endure vehicles being destroyed.
8- Emblem Background
9- Plasma Pistol Loadout weapon for anti vehicle purposes.
10- Overcharge Armor Ability. Allows you to expend your shield energy to produce a variety of effects. Covenant Vehicles can boost longer. UNSC vehicles gain a burst of armor lock at the cost of stopping the vehicle and making you One shot. (This could be effective with proper timing to shrug off Plasmas or survive a single banshee bomb.)
While Option 1 gives everyone equal opportunity from the start though the matches would be more predictable. Option 2 would cause players to have to work for their advantages and eventually end up with everyone having everything.