Do flak frigs suck? Are they essentially broken? I've tried to use them many times. They just don't seem to counter strikecraft for some reason, even if built in huge numbers. In addition to just plain not doing much against strikecraft, there are other problems. For instance, the buggers seem to take FOREVER to turn out the numbers required, even using multiple frig factories from multiple systems (that's not a scientific observation, it just "seems" that way).
Who builds these things? Can anyone convince me that these things don't suck? If they don't suck, what is the proper way to use them, the proper numbers to deploy, etc (I've deployed tons, but to little effect)? If they do suck, what is the solution?
I'm not complaining or bitching. I'm not saying the game is screwed. And if touching the unit means risking strangely balancing the game in other ways (obsoleting fighters, for instance), I'd probably just rather leave well enough alone. But it's like, I see a unit in the game called a "flak frig," but when I build them they don't do crap. Something just seems wrong with that.
If you are a newb (THIS IS NOT AN INSULT), don't respond with your opinion (unless you just want to, heh). I know you are only trying to help, but your experience either against the AI, or against other newbs, doesn't count for much. I'd like to hear from knowledgeable players and pros. Does this unit suck? What's the solution?
Not one to just complain about something without at least attempting a solution, here's an idea I came up with: I'm going on the assumption here that the current problem conceptually for the devs is that fighters also counter strikecraft, so buffing flak frigs too much means obsoleting fighters. Perhaps their roles overlap too much? SOLUTION - split their roles. Turn flak frigs into more of a "stationary" defense, intended to be parked near structures or a stationary fleet. This would mean a nerf to their speed/mobility. But a buff to their attack capability. This way, flak frigs would be good for "stationary" anti-strikecraft duty, covering a limited area (but covering it well) and carriers with fighters could be used for "mobile" anti-strikecraft duty. Also, fighters would still be able to cover the entire grav well, as they do now, where as the ponderous, slow moving flak frigs would cover a limited area. To emphasize this, perhaps the flak frigs would even roll off the assembly line automatically set to "hold position." It could even be that these changes are made in Entrenchment, since the role seems to involve defense.
Comments? Suggestions? Criticisms?
