AdrianH said:To answer the question of differences between 1e and 2e a bit more:
In 1e, beams are less destructive, partly because of the different mechanism and partly because they have fewer dice - for example, a Sharlin's main beam is 2AD. In 2e, the mechanism allows a greater chance of re-rolls to score more hits, and the Sharlin's main beam is 8AD.
In 1e, fighters are more destructive because they have precise weapons, so are more likely to score criticals. In 2e, they don't.
Which means if you want scary fighters, stick with 1e; if you want scary beams, get 2e.
1st Ed Sharlins had a 6AD neutron laser front and rear.
My summation would be: both versions have real issues. What we could do with (from a player support PoV) is a complete re-balance of all the ships and fighters for 1st ed, IMO, and ignore the 2e changes.