So far it seems like the next version will include Exerelin integration bugfixes, a new AM lance particle effect by Trylobot, some sound edits, variant edits and rebalancing for the Robberfly and Gonodactylus, and the Convergence-class. There has been a LOT of polish done in intermittent bursts since the last release.
Next in line after that is differentiating the Convergence and Revenant, adding more weapons, and working on the phase ship. The Revenant will probably become a "drone cruiser" and focus on defense, standing out among the Blackrock roster for its different take on battle tactics. The Convergence will be the standby big carrier option for Blackrock fleets, backed up by the Typheus, but the Revenant might keep a flight deck.
Re: what I did with the Gonodactylus, it now has a frontal universal turret between the "eyes" and another missile turret on the claw side, as well as slightly more OP. It feels like it's in a pretty solid spot right now, as the fleet's "workhorse", so to speak - flexible and with a good ace-in-the-sleeve weapon when outmatched.
The new weapons I'm going to add first will be plasma charge launchers and the Ironweaver Cannon, the large-size shard shotgun.
Oh, and I'll probably add the Eschaton-class Heavy Freighter sometime after christmas too.