[mac5732]

Aginst AI's, ftrs excellent as long as you put in Groups. Put some of the missle weapon
that shoot 1 time with 100 damage in each group. Has good punch and other ftrs help defend and fire each turn. I use them for defense of worm holes along with mines, sats and battlestations. Usually have 2 carriers with ftrs with battle fleets to take out the AI's fts. I usually put them in Groups of 20-30. Important worm holes will have 100-150 ftrs. The AI usually only Groups in 5's. Against human, different defense later in game especially once worm hole opener is obtained. Makes wormhole defense obsolete which makes your ftrs an in system defense force able to respond to threatened planets.
Depending on which trait you take ftrs if used right can make difference in a crucial battle. I like Temporal, excellent ftr weapons tht shoot both seekers & against ships. In hot-seat against humans, good to use in tactical. Need something to draw their fire and ftrs so your main fleet can get in and hit them especially if you are using missles and he has good PD's. He then has to make choice, ftrs or seekers. I never used them but once I tried them, I now use every game.

just some ideas mac