Tech Levels

[Phoenix-D]

The cost issue can be fixed with the next patch- it puts the cost per level on each component. You can do the same now with effects, I think..its just a little more cumbersome.

[Suicide Junkie]

While the shield strength does rise faster that weapon damage, Shield regeneration rates go up quite slowly.
You just need to fire a few more times.

[Otter]

Shields aren't a problem. Just practice getting on the target's tail and keep hammering from short distance. Don't use torpedoes from far out but as a sledge hammer into their rears when you're only 20 or less units away.

[Vortex]

Originally posted by Suicide Junkie:
While the shield strength does rise faster that weapon damage, Shield regeneration rates go up quite slowly.
You just need to fire a few more times.

Shield's arn't a problem anyway. Just use Tachyon Cannons and ignore them to your hearts content.