As most know, after the last major patch and before the latest hotfix we were able to see through the closest few layers of clouds by using any zooming tool (spyglass, rangefinder, weapons). This was obviously game-breaking to a large extend, and got properly fixed recently.
Ever since, though, I keep finding myself 'blind'. I got used to the anxious spyglassing of hotspots in my field of view, and having to vocally inform the rest of my team of where I last saw an enemy added a nice touch to the game. Especially for roles that don't usually have much to do out of combat, such as the gunner (and to a lesser extend the main engie), being a spyglass scout made a lot of sense. There was a tactical depth to it, as well- the most eagle-eyed crew would see an enemy long before the enemy saw them, allowing them smarter engagements.
This got me thinking if this could somehow be an intended feature, implemented with respect to the rest of the game's balance and mechanics. If the answer is yes, a potential candidate for this utility would be the rangefinder. It's a tool very rarely (if at all) used, and such a buff would be very logical. It would also be more suitable and beneficial for the gunner class, as it would grant him one additional responsibility and enhance his role compared to the engineer (at least while ooc). Even if the rangefinder was that way altered, it could by no means replace the spyglass. Instead, it could complement it and have a better synergy with it- you 'spot' an enemy with the rangefinder, inform your crew of his position and direction, and the spyglass will be ready to mark him once he becomes visible.
