Use "-skipping" weapons such as tachyon beams, graviton hellbores, toxic injectors and etc. Also use fast-recharging weapons, such as repulser beams. It doesn't hurt to load up on armor and shields, and to use those character points on improving offensive and defensive bonuses.
And use your weapon banks often. If you use a cruiser, keep on spinning in circles until it dies.
Edit: and get PD cannons. Salvage them; buy them; do anything to get the latest PD cannons. If you get about 4 top-end PDCs, those toxic injectors and graviton hellbores won't even touch you.
[ October 07, 2003, 20:47: Message edited by: TerranC ]