GhostGhost360 I'll answer your questions first.
1. What do feel are the differences between an XO and CO? I don't mean the rules (WL, ML, SOP), equipment (Mateba, etc.) or rank.
Answer : I feel like an XO is a leadership role where I am a leader of the people, by the people, for the people. There isn't a rank gap that makes you seem unapproachable to some people. Many marines, especially new ones find COs unapproachable particularly due to rank. An XO(Depending on how said character is played) will always seem more approachable due to lack of a WL requirement. I also found that an XO tends to be the voice that marines rely on. If the CO is the figurehead they see that inspires them, the XO is usually the voice of help that they turn to for their needs (Apart from the SOs). The CO is someone who I felt was more distant as a leader but equally respected. For example. Ideally the CO would be in command, the XO would take the concerns of the men and forward it to the CO for the CO to better be able to make decisions. It's very much like a family in my eyes. The CO would be a father. Firm but understanding. The XO would be like a mother, someone who the kids always go to who also has some leeway with the CO despite the CO being in command.
2. Why do you want to become a CO and why is this not something that could be done as an XO?
Answer: I first went XO despite the CO WL being closed because there was a lack of command during lowpop hours which meant a lack of coordination. I decided to go CO in an attempt to be able to better aid the marines as was the original reason why I became an XO main. Be it changing SoP for the MPs to better be able to do their jobs or help out when the marines occasionally get a new XO. In the case of a new XO, I've been there myself. A person can SO as much as they want but the first round as an XO is a whole new different ball game, to which I have COs like Imhotep, Braden and James Parker to thank for in showing me where the road starts so I could start figuring things out for myself when they were not playing.
3. In what instances would you role XO over CO if you had the WL?
I have always felt that the XO was more approachable than the CO. Particularly to new marines who see rank in a game where rank matters and try to stay in the sidelines to avoid attention. There have been instances where I have seen privates be grateful because they had someone who answered when they were unsure of what to do in a particular situation. I would probably still roll XO especially if I want to stay shipside and play a supporting role especially when COs are on. Personally I enjoy being a gap filler who just solves problems when they occur. Which is why the pre drop prep is arguably one of my favorite things to do as a supporting XO, setting the ship up properly such that if anything is needed partway through the operation, there is less delay time in getting whatever is needed to where it's needed.