[Suicide Junkie]

Range and combat sensors do have an effect.

There is some simulated battle conditions, and it works somewhat like strategic combat.

For deciding whether shields are worth it:
Just take your damage, and multiply by hitpoints to get a battle rating. Try to maximize that for best effect, but add combat sensors to your design if possible.

In general, treat it like a ship that'll be doing 'point-blank' strategy in strategic combat.