Went back in and give it another shot.
First match: In the third round we started losing because barerly anyone was using REQs. So naturally the people that did use REQs stopped using them causing is too lose harder. Hurray for the REQ system great fun I guess?
Second match: Made it to the last round, needed to destroy 4/5 mythic knights. We had a handful of tanks including a wraith. Knights jumped around, hiding behind rocks and buildings, making them very hard to hit with tanks. But due to their bullet sponge nature, powerful weapons and long respawn timers that was the only realistic option to kill them within the given time limit. Needless to say we lost that match despite a lot of REQ usage.
My opinion hasn't changed, it doesn't feel like Firefight to me. The mode is still bad for the reasons I posted earlier in this topic.
Edit: Also there isn't an option to play this in custom games like with all previous Firefight iterations?
This what i noticed too. Randoms barely use their REQs. You're better off playing with friends.
To your edit, no you can't play FF in custom games.