So after underling, got me to play test with him, i figured i could base my fleet off something that i knew marginally well.  I went with the TEC (trader emergency coalition) from SINS of a solar empire, and they didnt disappoint on the table.  Heres one of my cruiser designs, its not exactly like the game, but i tried to focus on the TEC's strong points, high armor, solid med/close accurate weapons. 

TEC KODIAC-class Heavy Cuiser  (201)
ARMOR    [_][_][_][_][_]
[_]    [_][_][_][_][_]
[_]    [_][_][_][_][_]
HULL    [_][_][_][_]    [_][_][_][_]    [_][_][_][_]
THRUST    [3][2][2][1][1]       WEAPONS    [_][1][2][3][4]
ECM    [_][_][_][_][_]    SHIELDS    [_][_][_][_][_]
Directional Defenses (FF); Fire Control
WEAPONS    ARCS    RANGE    ATTACK DICE    -4         -6         -8    -10
HVY Auto Cannon (Acr)    [FX2][FF2]    3-6-9    21    15    11    7    5    4    3    2    1    1    1    0
PD Laser (Dfs)    [TT]    1-2-3      3    2    2    1    1    1    0    0    0    0    0    0

It performed well as a forward attacker, providing a solid screen for my larger (but by no means more fragile) capital ships.  While it perhaps lacks firepower/defense to engage with undamaged ships of equal cost, it is very good at finished off crippled vessals that have been pummeled by the longer range fire power of my larger ships and frigates.