Why use Colony Ship?

[Hunpecked]

Alneyan writes:

"I have been told one wily AI in TDM builds Light Cruisers with Colony modules and weapons..."

I've seen the TDM Pyrochette, Tessellate, and Aquilaeians build armed colony ships from warship hulls. The AI colony ships usually operate alone, so they're easy prey for a true warship of equal size/tech.

Against the AIs I build the cheapest possible unarmed colony ships; the additional cost of weapons and/or supplies can make what should be a one-turn ship into a two-turn build. Also, I don't like sending my expensive weapons on a one-way trip; I'd rather put them on a reusable escort for the colony ship.