[rextorres]

I used to think that PPB was the killer weapon until I started playing PBW and ran into a fleet armed with APB XII. PPB is great in the middle game, but its short range counteracts any supposed advantage.

I don't bother with shields until they are phased, anyway, because they are too expensive compared to armor.

In any size galaxy whoever can expand the fastest wins not who has PPB.

IMO if you want to take aim at an unbalanced component it's the talisman - I think played right it is virtually unbeatable.