[Suicide Junkie]

The viability of shield regenerators is directly dependent on the expected survival time of a ship that has been hit already.

Combat with small numbers of ships, and weapons with damage scaled way down.
SE3 made regenerators quite useful. Up to the point where there were over 5-10 ships on a side, at least.
After the fleets start getting huge, you just have to go for sheer hitpoints in order to block more fire for your teammates before you die in one round.

Adding bulk to ships, such as with the P&N BuckytubeGel components helps too.
Given the choice of damaging 3 ships or completely vaporizing one, the side who picks the former can overcome much greater odds.
When the enemy is spreading out their fire, and your ships don't get instantly destroyed, regenerators can have time to work.

[ November 14, 2003, 01:31: Message edited by: Suicide Junkie ]