[Suicide Junkie]

Would it be possible to swap the hitpoints on shields and armor?

I don't know about the physics of the starblazers universe, but from the story in-game, it sounds like you are supposed to be taking damage in these combats.

As it is now, armor is extremely weak, and shields are very strong.
ISTM that the reverse should be true:
Shields : weak, but regenerate over time
Armor : strong, but only repairable at spacedocks.