I DID go with Plasma for PVE and I will tell you if properly built I will out DPS most everything but a similarly equipped escort.....

Forward weapons:
2x Romulan Plasma Dual Heavy Cannons Mk XII [Acc] [Dmg]
Romulan Hyper-Plasma Torpedo
Aft Weapons:
2x Romulan Plasma Beam Array Mk XII [Acc] [Dmg]
Prototype Romulan Plasma Beam Array

Deflector, Engine, and Shields:
Adapted M.A.C.O. Positron Deflector Array Mk XII
Adapted M.A.C.O. Combat Impuse Engines Mk XII
Adapted M.A.C.O. Covariant Shield Array Mk XII

Consoles:
Engineering Consoles: Multidimensional Wave-Function Analysis Module, Neutronium Alloy Mk XII, Ablative Armor Mk XII

Science Consoles: Synpathetic Fermion Transceiver, Shield Emitter Amplifier Mk XII,
Particle Generator Mk X [-Th] [Pla], Emitter Array Mk XII

Tactical Consoles: Quantum Field Focus Controller, Plasma Infuser Mk XI,
Zero Point Energy Console

Hangar:
Elite Scorpion Fighters

Power Settings:

Weapons 91/85, Shields 73/45, Engines 50/25, Auxiliary 88/45

this build works well on the MMSE Vesta (Strategic Variant) now what you see here is the groundwork for an alternate build I have for going in to PVP but that is another kettle of fish....

Take this build and roll it in an ESTF and tell me what you think....