I'm no Star Wars tactician, and i'm in no position to actually write something on this topic i just created. But i'm sure a lot of people are, and i'd like to hear what they have to say about it, as i'm sure some others would as well. Something like:
The Ion Beam (or Ion Blaster, as i like to call it) is a devastating weapon, but it is most efficiently implemented if they are well protected and constantly "fed" with energy cells for constant firing, as seem in the famous Cerberus.
The Shield Generator (or just Shield) is a must have for efficient bounty hunting. It minimizes the amount of repairs after each encounter, sometimes even completely negating all damage to structures, if well implemented. They "stack" if placed side by side and can effectively create a shield wall, almost impenetrable by any regular battleship, as seen in @Teg 's Exodia.
Anyway, i just want to open up a place where people can discuss those very deep theories, that are base to all ship designing.