[Suicide Junkie]

APBs have +1 range at max tech, and do more damage at minimum range. That can make all the difference, especially on faster ships and with phased shields.

A Tractor Beam -> Rippers -> Repulsor beams can be devastating, since your hange is essentially extended, plus you get to fling the remains far enough away that it will have a tough time attacking you next turn. Quite difficult to get tweaked just right.

Many mods try to avoid uberweapons like the APB and PPB.