CursedPh4nt0m I get that the CENTRAL "column" would be less efficient, which is even noted, but the OTHER columns? Really? To my understanding, optimal efficiency when combining multiple Ion Beam Emitters is two beams per Prism (with a falloff of only 25%), and each prism in a column (with exception to the one at the very back) UNLESS I'M MISTAKEN is indeed receiving two beams, albeit it's one from an Emitter and one from the prism behind it. If there is something I am missing regarding how the falloff system works, by all means enlighten me, because whatever you're implying is beyond my knowledge.
Also, in regards to your example, with all due respect, do refer to the first post on the thread, where I do in fact have an ion system that is SOMEWHAT similar to that one, albeit yours looks like it's more compact although frankly would be more prone to chain-detonating itself... Not to say that mine is anything PRACTICAL, but not necessarily as much of a "glass cannon" either... ironically speaking...
Edit: I say "ironically speaking" because I have a tendency to make ships that end up being more offensive than defensive, which is actually a huge contrast to the fact that NORMALLY I go more for defensive over offense. Guess some games just do that to some people, you know?
That being said, this thread was - to be blunt - not exactly made for practical builds... or refined to be as efficient as humanly possible... It's more or less for the fun of just going all out and poking at the absurdities, though by all means, I'm not going to discredit any criticism... (If anything, it would certainly have the possibility of making room for EVEN MORE absurdity, which would certainly fit the intentions of the thread XD)