[rdouglass]

I agree with Tomgs. Organic tech has awesome weapons. The Enveloping Acid Globule (I think that's what its called) on massive mounts has a damage of 500, a fire rate of 2, and a range of 8 and are actually quite accurate. To me, thats even more powerful than a WMG even if it seems the WMG's never miss. However, the PPB's skip shields and have decent range and fire rates. They also IMO are only good for early game weapons. Once the AI get's Phased Shields, they (PPB's) drop drastically in thier effectiveness.

I do agree that PPB's are very easy to research, but IMO are useless in huge galaxy, low tech games except to rush the first AI you encounter. However, that could definitely put you into position to be MEE in a hurry. Personally, I like to avoid PPB's 'cause they are such an advantage early on (its easy enough to 'rush' an AI as it is).