Yes, IDs damage shields before the shields are down. They have really good damage ratios, so they are nearly as good as regular weapons for knocking down shields (except for Shield Depleters, of course). The best solution, of course, is to stick a nice shield depleter or two as the first weapon(s) on your warships. Helps with or without using IDs.
[ March 17, 2004, 01:35: Message edited by: Imperator Fyron ]