Thank you for your frank, and informative response. I'm new to this game (very new) so, please explain why Vanguards have to be at 10 meters?

Ok, this is going to get weird, so stick with me... I guess this is a vanity build/fun/weird build because it's mainly about looks/lore, but I want to play a commando type dps trooper who uses a blaster rifle, not an assault cannon. People tell me to go dps Vanguard, but dammit to hell I don't want to be hitting mob's with my rifle (stockstrike)! It's a rifle! I want to shoot things! But I ALSO don't want to use an Assault Cannon; they're fugly as fug! I want to have a toon with light'ish armor (think biker scout, or Endor rebel commando) who uses a blaster rifle for ranged dps. Some will tell me to go Imperial Agent, and I would, except all my friends are playing pub! So I have to find a way to play this sort of character on pub side. So basically I'm thinking I'll play a standard dps Gunnery Commando, but use a blaster rifle over the cannon. I know my dps will suffer. My concern is, will I get kicked out of groups? lol