It's a bug.
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/For...ML/002863.html To read more about it.
Don't know the status. If your plan is to use these ships in tactial combat you shouldn't have a problem. If you are planning on using them in strategic combat, you'll probably have to add a single low power weapon, like a Pbb, or duc along with the shield depleters. preaferably the duc, because the Pbb will be happily taking out internal components all along while your shield depleters work on the shields. The Duc will only get one clean shot at the ship once the shields collapse and then move in to board.
Geo
Geo