Bullet Sponges aren't the real problem
After having some time to put together a build with decent rolls and talents, the NPCs drop just as fast as they did before the update. The problem in my opinion is that the enemy damage output is just a little too high. They force you to stay in cover, but if you do stay in cover, they rush you and force you out of it. 4-5 shots or one grenade and 1 million plus armor is gone. Personally it doesn't bother me so much, I enjoy the challenge. But alot of my clan members and friends are either quitting or taking a break until some changes are made.