If we increase the defenses of major stations (see: https://ministry.kronosaur.com/record.hexm?id=58423) then we run the risk of having lots of dead Xenophobes (ready for the player to loot).
Instead, we should improve the Xenophobe AI so it avoids powerful stations and/or retreats if it takes more damage than expected (e.g., if the player intervenes).
I like the way the Xenophobes never back down. Possibly having them break off until they can repair their armor over time and then continue the attack could be the way to go. Their "will not stop until you are dead" mindset makes a nice change from reasoned attack. Or give them a base buster weapon as well. Ah, balance, will it never end :).
Suggested this a while ago, glad to see it's found some support.
On a similar topic, i'm not really sure how the Xenos work in the lore, but it makes sense that they would at least loot vital supplies(food, fuel, resources) from the stations they destroy. Their Zoanthrope counterparts in EP could do to do the same.
@ relanat: Xenophobe ships bigger than fighters have one howitzer among their lancers, so they have some WMD.
In 1.9 Beta 4 I've changed the Xenophobe AI:
- They avoid stations if at all possible.
- If attacked, they will retaliate and destroy the station, if appropriate.
- If damaged beyond a certain point, they retreat.