I disagree, they soak up enough damage, and once you've upgraded the kinetic strike, 18 damage 0.0

I think the best squad: Squadsight sniper with plasma and double tap, along with mec trooper, a hover shiv (great for spotting, and once it's in the air it gets a fair defensive bonus). Heavy (blaster launcher = >:D 13 Crit damage wooo!) a support and an assualt, preferably ALL psionic (Mind Controlling an enemy unit who is flanking an enemy group will cause the enemy to prioritise him, useful waste of their turn if you succeed. One with telekinetic field is useful, 40% off all their hit chances >:D). There you go, a spotter for the sniper, damage dealer of doom, a doomsday sniper and a team of badasses. What could go wrong?

Oh shit, an xcom bullshit moment! Retreat, retreat