A Caterpillar for example shouldn't feel threatened by a single Buccaneer. The idea that a single fighter can completely disable a large ship (Military or not) doesn't sit right with me. That single Buccaneer shouldn't be going for such large targets unless he had a healthy amount of backup with him. If he doesn't have back-up? I believe it's fair to say the pilot of the Buccaneer should consider going for smaller and easier targets. Shields need to be reliable. While I understand space is a dangerous place, people need to feel safe knowing their ships will provide them with suitable protection against the dangers of the 'Verse. Now let's say that Pirate was in a Cutlass, and he was backed up by 2 of his buddies in fighters. THEN it makes perfect sense for that Caterpillar to be threatened and would warrant the protection of an escort. They should rip through the shields of the Caterpillar, loading up their loot into their Cutlass, and making a speedy escape before UEE Security comes in to sift through the wreck. I understand CIG's stance on wanting to make shields not recharge if they are taking damage; But I ask that they expand upon this by saying "Shields don't recharge as long as they are taking ENOUGH damage." There has to be a point where shields are strong enough to recharge even while taking damage that they can reasonably handle. Why this is important: - This makes Griefing harder. A lone player cannot simply go around damaging large ships for fun. They at least have to work with other people, or find a more manageable target. - One ship wont be able to reduce a larger ships shields. Shields should be strong enough to recover from light damage, even recharge while taking damage. (At a reduced rate of course) - It helps protect the owner of the Larger Ship and his investment. He earned his ship, let him be rewarded with a little comfort knowing his large ship isn't just a fish in the barrel. - It gets rid of some of the dreadful paranoia when it comes to simply going day by day in space. If I see a lone ship, I wont be too paranoid to kill him on sight. This brings a bit of ease to me, knowing I can just continue my business. - Piracy becomes something that needs to be more reasonably coordinated. Pirates will be smarter, and bring an appropriate fleet to handle whatever they are after. This is far more interesting in my eyes. To wrap this up; Even civilian ships deserve a healthy amount of protection. A Starfarer should no doubt shrug off the damage of a single Mustang or even a Super Hornet. If I am a Pirate; I expect that a Starfarer is going to be a very tough nut to crack. I'll want to bring the back up of 3-4 fighters along with me, with a Cutlass or two to dish out most of the damage. Finally, I'm aware CIG is smarter than this. There are some really bright minds at work behind the scenes. I'm simply making sure this is being considered. - Edit - When I say Griefer, I mean GRIEFER, Not Pirate. Hope I cleared this up.