Currently, I have a feeling that overall, High-tech and mid-line ships are better than low tech.
I suspect you have played too much modded and not enough vanilla.
One example not mentioned in this thread yet: the Lasher. It is one of the best ship to learn load-out design and piloting basics. 360 degrees turret coverage, excellent front facing fire power, and an amazing ship system. And one should never underestimate an AI Lasher in battle.
Seriously though how does anyone get enough mileage out of a dominator to actually WANT to use one?
Put its strength to good use?
Capital-level front-facing firepower, 360 degrees turret coverage, heavy armor, only 25 DP. It plays an important role in player fleet progression.
Can't maneuver and gets danced around by just about every other ship. Just don't fight it head on and it does nothing.
Sure, these are real downsides. But,
It's ship system lets it jump on it's prey (AI shall hopefully be upgraded in next release to improve situation awareness IIRC). Auxiliary thrusters helps with slow turn, and in a grouped fleet situation in does not always matter. And when it matters, you may design a load-out that leverage its small guns, providing the 360 coverage.