Lighthorse:
Consider the CRR just the CR
Surprised I hadn't heard that one before!
I like the shipyard idea as well, I will implement when I get back to working on AI.
Pathfinder:
I don't think the Ancients need all 23 levels for their engines, only like the first 12-16 IIRC.
You shouldn't need organic tech for any of the armors, they will be taken care of by the racial techs and any other techs SJ comes up with.
SJ:
I'm for whatever you put together, I like the current armors you've put out and expect the others will balance well enough
There actually are a few other races that have real shields other than 3rd space. The Abbai and Vorlons are the prime examples. The WhiteStars also had a weak shield. I also think the Brakiri might have had shields on some of their ships, IIRC. But none of the other race's shields compared to the 3rd space aliens! The Shadows had an energy absorbtion and emition ability, but no shields of any kind.