The pro's and con's of each weapon was probably discussed in the dev steams, and so I'm hoping someone can help me with this. For now it seems that beams are inferior to kinetic and missile weapons for 2 big reasons; interceptors/guardians won't use them, and they don't have the upgraded prototype version. Additionally, missiles have greater range, and kinetic weapons fire faster (from what I remember), but do lasers have a dynamic to be used/taken advantage of?
I have no idea why I can't design, or at least influence what gear my interceptors have either. I can't tell them to ditch the shields if they're only fighting missiles, and I can't get them to use beams even if that's my best weapon tech. I understand if part of this was to limit micromanagement, but to specifically limit their weaponry is very frustrating.
If anyone can fill me in as to these design choices I would be grateful. Or just agree with my whining.