Frigates have many high-tech options, but limited combat low-tech (Lasher and the two hybrids) and midline (Vigilance, Brawler, maybe Kite (A)).
Destroyers have one dedicated combat ship per epoch, plus Sunder (looks midline, but plays like high-tech).
Cruisers, low-tech just has Dominator (which is best-in-class). High-tech has a bunch of mediocre, unless going for missile boats.
Capitals, low-tech just has Onslaught (rivals Paragon) and midline just has Conquest (which is not even a battleship).
Much as I like to see more carrier options, they are moot with current fighter balance. Fighters are too weak to use by endgame.
As for beams on the Sunder, the main point of beams is to prevent enemy from dropping shields when range from target is between 600 and 1000, when trying to pound shields with blasters or pulse lasers. They were never that great on the Sunder as an attack weapon. Well, triple phase lance is okay, if backed by Advanced Optics and light needlers.