BRDY and II have radically different combat doctrines. One is hit & run, the other is tank & grind. When you play with II, you will be surrounded, almost always. They use similar tactics as Exigency, a deathball formation works very well with an usual sledge/Hvel build.
You'll get something like this.
They can't hit your back if your allies are covering you and Imperials ships are the best at holding the line. Unlike most other factions, you can't go solo against a whole fleet as you won't have the mobility anyway.
Honestly i feel the Imperials are the easiest faction to play. All you have to do is to buy more ships and for once you can trust the AI with them. Just hold the line and bid your time, the enemy will try to close the gap to break your formation and they'll have to beat you in a slugfest, which is where the Imperials excels.