Yes, it's slow; you'll find no argument there. Then again, let's consider its pluses. When upgraded, it manages to be perhaps average in speed/manueverability. Basically, at that point, it's on par with an Argosy. You'll have little trouble outrunning torpedos, should the unlikely need arise, and if you're running from missiles, then use the afterburner. It is extremely well armored/shielded, sports four turrets, and has an enormous, perhaps even comical amount of weapon space. As for the Lightning Vs. Patrol Ship debate, I was actually talking about bay-fulls of fighters. Four Patrol Ships will destroy two lightnings and then limp back to your Patrol Ship bay to fight another day.
Does anyone else think, that from a monetary view, fighters are a waste of money?
Couldn't you do the same amount of damage without puting yourself in danger by just firing about ten torpedos in the opposite direction to your target before actually engaging them in ship-to-ship?
And, hey, aren't the bulk cruiser or luxury liner slower than the Confederate Cruiser?
In further defense of the bulky, slow Fed Cruiser, keep in mind that speed and manueverability don't fit into its fighting style in any large amount. Its made for capital to capital combat with its turrets and torpedos (as well as those little, red, 35 Tons(!) a pop guns...), and its fighter complement and its missiles are meant for the pesky fighters. It isn't a sort of super-versatile, jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none ship like the Rebel Destroyer. Then again, its an ugly mother, and aesthetics count.
