Is it useful to concentrate on the unit stats as the most imbalanced aspect of Illuminators though?
The problem with Advent is that their Repulsion affects the short ranged weapons which are supposed to counter LRM, this leads to LRM spam as the only effective counter to an Advent fleet. Further, the upgrade for Illuminators makes them very strong defensively. These two problems are worse than even a considerable advantage on stats alone.
Also, the other factions are affected differently. Phase missiles are an effective counter, but Intercept is a very poor and expensive tier 6 technology which is damaging to the fleet if left on autocast and very difficult to micro. It used to allow cruisers an advantage against kited carriers....
There are other approaches to the problem than the dreaded nerf..
- Allow the Akkan, Cielo and Overseer to nullify illusion, as a passive ability.
- Slow all LRMs, also make all LRMs take more supply and LFs less. Make LRM weapons less effective against capitals, or only as effective as LF.
- As specialist structure assault ships have been created, turrets should outrange LRMs, to help against early rushes. Make basic defence structures cheaper.
- Restore the Subverter at least somewhat, also have the returning ships free again, though in reduced numbers
- Have Intercept nullify Repulsion, as a passive effect.
- Why not just have a maximum number of mines that can be maintained, rather than have ships pay for their abilities? How can strikecraft be free and mines cost resources, thats silly? With a simple maximum on the number of mines in a gravwell, they can be placed to counter a tight formation, which is a skill element, rather than just being a general hazard, which is dull. Have specialist mines, anti-shield, anti-hull, mines set to home on ships using specific abilities- like Repulsion....