Small ships and mines

[Zanthis]

If you want to weaken mines given the existing system, give nearly every direct fire weapon in the game the ability to sweep one mine (like a minesweeper I component). I'd start the minesweeper series at sweeping 6 mines and up it by say 2 per level to 14 for a level V.

I'd probably not give mine sweeping to torpedo weapons or anything with a reload greater than one. Might even avoid putting it on DUC, or at least earlier DUC (I & II). It goes without saying that the alligence subverter would not get this ability.

This might help direct fire weapons vs seekers, especially earlier in the game. Not only that, but later, when you start using weapon mounts, you'll be getting your heavy mount PPB, but it will still only sweep one mine. Interesting tradeoff IMO.