Well, it was reeeaaaallly unrealistic with Reactions this high. This is an experiment, but I believe it is possibly worth using, because of the smoke and all.
Then I would recommend reactions at least 55-60... 40 is effectively equivalent to 0.
Also, if the smoke is to be a saving grace, it needs to produce a cloud as big and as thick as a smoke grenade. Currently, a smoke grenade under your feet protects you from all sides. A smoke from the drone under your feet doesn't protect you
at all. You need to put the smoke in front of you and thus it will protect you from that direction only.
Just a small question:
Are STR_DART_RIFLE_CLIP_B_PREQ1 and similar which do not have any strings to be researched?
No, you get them for free with the research of corpses.
Unless you have researched the necessary corpses already (and upgraded to new version). Then you get these as research objects... to "repair" the already-discovered-items list.