One thing I did find puzzling about TNE was that whilst X-ray lasers became an option at TL-13, according to FF&S, they never featured in any published designs. I found this odd, given their advantages - lower power needed, giving the option of high ROFs at much lower impacts than the conventional Grav-focused lasers. Disadvantages were lower ranges, and an inability to conduct planetary strikes in any appreciable atmosphere. The former might be offset by a greater chance to hit at range X with the higher ROFs (Antony, you seem to have a good handle on this - what do you think?) the latter could be considered a game-stopper by a navy that wants dual-purpose weapons.
Eamon
Eamon