What exactly is the use of plasma? It seems universally strong compared to the stats in most weapons.
Cruiser plasma is for breaking shields between 950 - 700 range. Beam lasers are where the real damage is at.
Any closer and you would be at the mercy of cruiser laser.
Plasma is also very poorly aimed. They often miss, and cannot use target painters. On the other hand, they can’t be scrambled 
I use plasma all the time 