Seth BradwellThe Imperial ships have never suited my playing style. The Courier is far less value for money than a Cobra, the Clipper can't be docked at outposts and it's hardpoint placement mostly precludes the use of fixed weapons, and I have only recently ranked up enough to get a Cutter, and again I struggle to see what I can do in that I can't do in a Conda or T9. I may look at them again at some point, see if I can make the most out of what they are, but other ships seem far more practical, the Empire really does put form over function.
The Clipper is the best at core mining if you dont want to use outposts, and the Cutter is only better than the T9 and conda as a open play trader or mining ship (Due to insane shields). If it wasnt for literally this I would also never fly Imperial ships.