@Train
Here's what I would go with for the loadout side of things, making these based on what you specified:
Note: Anything not given the [OPTIONAL] tag is everything included that will take up the maximum Worth I listed below. If you do decide to take what has this tag, be prepared to get more returns to make up for the lost Worth, or sacrifice some traits listed here.
Melee
Will focus on survivability since you specified that.
Using 100 Worth.
Fire
Designed if you're using fire-based RANGED weapons, instead of melee weapons.
Using 100 Worth.
Assault Rifle Stationary
Designed if you're shooting from inside a barricade instead of running outside. And you're only using assault rifles (but this loadout works with other weapon types as well).
Using 100 Worth.
Obviously, if you have above 100 Worth because you upgraded the Worth card above Level 0, you can get more positives from this list with less returns.
I hope this helps.