quote:
one type of ship armed with PPB's and another type armed with Shard Cannons
Then just go for missile ships, and hammer him from range 20 with your seeker spores. Stay out of range of his weapons, and load up on missiles rather than defenses.
Blow them away before he gets in range.
As a long-term goal, get those phased shields, and you'll be able to get in close to use your beam weapons again.