It feels like Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) has a vendetta against any ship that dares to challenge the reign of the Constellation. Take the Corsair, for example. It was a genuine contender to the Connie's throne, boasting superior firepower and a sleek design that many, myself included, found far more appealing. But its popularity and effectiveness in PvE combat seemed to seal its fate. CIG swiftly nerfed it into near-obsolescence, significantly reducing its weapon hardpoints and leaving it a shadow of its former self. Even the Star Lancer, posed a threat to the Connie's dominance in its weight class, wasn't spared. CIG nerfed its acceleration and deceleration, hindering its ability to engage and disengage effectively DESPITE already being one of the slowest ships above its class and below its class. This change significantly impacted its combat prowess and diminished its role as a viable alternative to the Connie. No MFD's and a few other things plague this ship (I understand this change is in EPTU but if we don't talk about it wont change.) And who could forget the Deemer? This heavy fighter was a fan favorite, offering a unique blend of speed, maneuverability, and firepower. Yet, CIG inexplicably nerfed it in favor of the Paladin, a ship that pales in comparison in terms of both performance and player appeal. This decision baffled a significant portion of the player base who genuinely enjoyed the Deemer's distinct flight characteristics and combat capabilities. Not to mention this ship was supposed to be designed by the player base! Then there's the Polaris. This formidable capital ship was crippled by an exorbitant increase in torpedo costs. A full reload now costs a staggering 9 million aUEC, effectively rendering its primary weapon system unusable for most players. This change feels less like a balance adjustment and more like a punishment for those who dared to invest in this powerful vessel.(I understand this change is in EPTU but if we don't talk about it wont change.) These examples paint a frustrating picture of CIG's approach to ship balancing. It seems any ship that gains popularity or proves too effective against established favorites like the Constellation is swiftly brought down a peg or two. This not only stifles diversity in ship choice and playstyle but also breeds resentment among players who feel their preferred vessels are being unfairly targeted. CIG needs to adopt a more balanced and transparent approach to ship balancing, one that considers player feedback and fosters a diverse and engaging gameplay experience for all. It's frustrating to see these heavy-handed nerfs without clear and detailed explanations from the developers. Simply stating that the "Corsair accounted for 40% of all kills" doesn't justify such drastic changes. That statistic alone tells us more about the ship's popularity and perhaps some inherent advantages in the current game environment, not necessarily that it was fundamentally overpowered. Analyzing combat data: Go beyond basic kill counts and examine damage output, time-to-kill, and survivability across different scenarios and player skill levels. Identifying specific strengths and weaknesses: Pinpoint the exact aspects of the ship that contribute to its high kill rate. Is it the weapon convergence, the maneuverability, or something else entirely? Implementing targeted adjustments: Instead of nerfing the ship across the board, focus on fine-tuning specific areas. For example, adjust weapon damage, shield values, or maneuverability to bring it in line with other ships in its class. Considering player feedback: Actively solicit feedback from players who fly the Corsair and other ships to gain a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses in actual gameplay. This level of transparency and communication would not only foster trust between the developers and the community but also lead to more balanced and nuanced ship adjustments. It's crucial for CIG to remember that nerfing popular ships without proper justification can alienate a significant portion of the player base and stifle the diversity of gameplay that Star Citizen promises. So I guess my question is just, why? Also, you will never get away from meta ships/comps if you want to nerf the corsair make it worth more AUEC or more $$$ in the pledge store the image below is the proposed lancer nerf currently in EPTU