I think I might have been convinced that a mech could fit into the Haloverse if it was more of a Wolverine with cannon arms, like those big vehicles in the Terminator's flash forwards - treads, etc. I don't understand the strategic value of legs if you have a Warthog, Pelican, and Mjolnir Armor in your universe and at your disposal. Obviously a Scarab gets a pass since it provides a pretty immediate argument for its value as a super-weapon, badass visual, and fun gameplay. The UNSC just always seemed rooted in some real-world military - an extension of what we have today. But a mech breaks that for me, and feels more like a sci-fi trope shoved in without a need.

I'd also probably be more convinced if it also didn't like the Metal Gear I fought as a 12-year-old, yes.