I was a sniper for 12 years in the marines. I can tell you that none of your programmers have any real world combat experience.
Cover is not just a barrier that protects you from 180 degrees. Cover let's you not be seen from the enemy. Snipers have camouflage so we are not seen. While I do detest being the slowest moving class in game bar none, anyone can cut down a sniper under cover. Blast rarely works and 2 min delay on escape, really, with the amount of stuns you give every class.
I have played all 3 skill trees trying to see which one is most effective. Some of these Sith warriors are pushing over 25k health now easily. Nothing I can do but annoy them while they chop me up too easily. I get better escape ability on my mercenary and shadow.
Snipers need camo abilty, bu the time I even try to snipe, half of my victims have wandered out of range. I am not asking for huge dmg increases. I do very well in hutball, Alderan for snipers is horrid as any one with leap to target can get you before you can even get into cover as a sniper. Even then you have a 10% chance of survival.