Could be done by altering the drag variables in physics for certain speeds that would essentially do this, however I didn't think the consensus was that heavy capping physics was OP or needed altering. (Moonshine players need not reply)
Movement is too fast for melee to work well enough to be anywhere near useful. If things were much slower they would begin to be approachable, but alas they just don't fit into this game.
Cluster has a huge boost but due to how the cluster bomblets spread out on detonation, the directions they all push you conflict. Thus, it's inefficient compared to combos or plasma jumping.
Well looking at it I think I can help reduce lag without removing the smoke. Few adjustments in how it's made should do the trick; won't fix all of it but should help a lot.
Edit: I've put it on the Public Test - IL server temporarily to try it out, so let me know how it works.
Nope, Torque doesn't have particle toggles. Even if your client removes the visuals the server is still creating them at the same location and your client will still "know" those particles are there and lag you at the same spot. Soooo yeah....
I might be able to change it a bit to help. I'm not 100% against removing it, but I think somewhere we have to draw the line at where we lower minimum requirements. This may be one of them but I'll see what I can do.
Unfortunately you aren't going to be able to remove the lag, even if you delete the texture. It would have to be deleted from the mission file on the server if it's an issue.