I have seen some examples of people drawing lines between the Codexes and this game, and try to make characters, vehicles, and other appear the way they do in the Codex (I.E. Burnas as their own unique slot, same with Meganobz, etc.). The issue is, that in many cases this is done in the Codexes to reflect the lore (A mob of Burnas will often run in each others tails and not go around alone) or to make them easier to use in game by bulking them up in their own squads, where in most cases this has nothing to do with the characters and their abilities, but what equipment they wear. A Burna, for example, is nothing but a Boy with a pyromantic tendencies, but the Codex makes them their own, separate type of Ork, same with Kommandoes, Tankbustas, Stormboyz and all the rest.

The way I see it, there is no reason why you should make individual classes for Burnas, Kommandoes and the like, simply because the standard Boy could have the ability to be kitted out like any of those instead. So, instead of having a handful characters with a few options each, why not have one or two classes with a myriad of options? You can make a Stormboy with a Burna, or maybe a Kommando with Big Choppa! The possabilities are endless!

So, what do you prefer? Several, lesser classes (Kommando, Stormboy, Burna, Loota) based on appearance or a few, general (Boy, Nob, Mek) based on ability?

Well, i would prefer less classes, which Imo would be much better. Start off as one of many Ork Boyz and simply choose what you want and advance.
I too, don't see a reason in making individual classes for each type of Ork.

Thank you. This is a point many people have been trying to make but it's kinda been addressed by the devs the ork classes are ork boy loota/eavie stormboys and painboy meaning that with the boy class you can be almost any type of boy that isn't already on the class list. I'm glad someone is readdressing this very significant element of what should be the ork faction.

Depends on the abilities they would get. I personally find it a good idea, but if (as example) the kommandoes would get an ability which makes them invisible for a short time, it would be better if they're a separate class. Because if the regular boyz won't have this ability it would be hard to play as kommandoe. So if they have special abilities then separate classes are better, if they haven't then your idea is better. But I like it anyway.

You can do that with things like "Modules" or something that changes your skillset as long as you have it.

That wouldn't be a bad idea. I actually like it very much. Could be an option. So every player can choose what abilities they give themselves and how they will use it.

Yeah, that's right. This original post is an older one and I think I've changed my mind about it, so there isn't much to do here, really. Unless of course someone want to continue.

Which is fine, as long as they give those Ork base classes 3 to 5 times as many "branches" or specialty trees within each class, compared to the Space Marine base classes.

Current Base Classes:

Apothecary = Pain boyz
Assaulter = Storm boyz(which also must include Ardboyz, Skaryboyz as well as a "pure melee" Ork class)
Tactical = Shoota Boyz(which must also be able to cover Burna Boyz, Tankbusta's)
Devastator = Eavy Loota

Where to Mek Boyz come into play?

I think you are right, Orks would work well with the opposite of what they have done with the Eldar: so orks to have very limited classes but a lot of customization options and the eldar have a lot of specialisation in class type but little customisation within the class.