[quote=@Alfhedil]
<Snipped quote by Cale Tucker>

So, if I am understanding what you mean, this is to say that I can have a faction with kinetic weapons that are on par with more advanced counterparts?
[/quote]

If you choose your Weaponry tech level as Superior, your weapon tech will be equivalent in power to anyone with Superior weapon tech level.
If you choose your Weaponry tech level as Standard, your weapon tech will be equivalent in power to anyone with Standard weapon tech, and not do as much damage comparable to Superior weapon tech level.
If you choose your Weaponry tech level as Substandard, your weapon tech will be equivalent in power to anyone with Substandard weapon tech, not do as much damage comparable to Standard weapon tech level, and be inferior to the power of Superior weapon tech level, but Superior Shield tech will balance it out.

That is the simple Tech System. When we add different types of weapons, it doesn't necessarily null, but it might give you an advantage in solo combat against one faction (Not major). If you have Substandard Plasma weapons, and Superior Electronic shields, and fight someone with  Standard kinetic energy shields, and Superior Laser weapons, You will survive the battle, as long as you have the equivalence in ships. 3 Battleships versus 10 Frigates, 10 Frigs vs 10 Frigs, etc. It gives you a special edge, to survive, not to win battles really