Instead of arguin about what you think is wrong, let the people be a think tank and offer suggestions. The more opinions on it the better. as for your question, its affected me in the past due to poor connection, and only optimization fixed the issue.
First things first have you made sure you have network settings optimized?
Data Rate 25000 (Unless you have older modems, unlikely)
Snaps 40
Max Packets 30-100 (depending on your own connection)
You should never edit existing pk3s. instead create a pk3 using winrar or whatever archiving program you wish. Have the folder path to the sound then arhive it as a .zip (important not to archive as .rar) then rename the file to zzz_placeholder.pk3. Remember that quake loads pk3s in alphabetical...
One thing to note with westar m5 is that since the reload time is always the same, never bother to reload too early unless you are sure no enemies are around
Only had scrim experience when i was in Divine
Main Classes: Soldier, Deka, ARC, Mando
Secondary: (Most to least preferred) ET, QT Hero, SBD, Commander, Clone
Doesn't like to play: Jedi/Sith/BH
How effective is shadowswinging in 1.4.5? I found it didn't really seem viable last patch, and it's how I duel most often. Also you summed up 1-8 pretty well that's as in depth as i go when newbies ask how to duel