The problem isn't just the shield stat as an existence it also alters the crit' table, is factored into the cost of the ships and the damage of the ships will probable be lower to account for it. That and from what the article said it would seem that different weapon systems will be affected differently by shields; thereby possibly losing benefits of certain weapons if you simply ignore the shields.
What are the current plans for rules/setting conversion, assuming there are any, my fellow gamers? (Or should I be whispering this and pretending that it doesn't take place since we're on the company forum)