Hey all,

I think the differences in Tac/Sci ranks makes these two ships very different. Which do you guys use? With the MVAE I am able to squeeze in another attack pattern whereas with the MVAM I am able to use TSS3, which makes the MVAM and awesome shield tanker.

Which do you all prefer?

To be honest, I can only think of one person (off the top of my head) that I've seen really make a normal Advanced Escort work, whereas I've seen loads of people have success with the MVAE.

I think you mean MVAE or AE.

Anyway, I prefer the old Advanced Escort. It's Boff console setup let's me utilize support science abilities in addition to granting me the use of two Lt. Commander tactical abilities, which suites my play style.

I think he is asking for opinions about using the MV console on the stock AE or the actual MVAM escort (difference being mainly Ltc Tac va Ltc Sci).

Lately I have been using it on the stock AE.

Exactly. Stock AE with the MV console or the MVAM you actually get from the C-Store. I like the LtC tac, but I love TSS3 that you can get with the MVAM. She becomes a massive shield tank with EptS, TSS3 and Sci tea 2.

BUT it's nice to have 2 copies of CRF, 2 BOs, 1 TT, AP:O and AP:B or D.

I've personally been using MVAE (Multi Vector Assault Escort, ie CSTORE version, calling this ship MVAM makes no sense to me ), not the AE with MV, mainly because having PSW1 on MVAE is fun

I think what you mean is "Do you use the MVAM with the MVAE or AE".

The module is the Multi Vector Assault Mode. The ship that it comes in is called the Multi Vector Advanced Escort, but it's really just an Advanced Escort with a different BO arrangement.

That's a very good analysis.... I prefer the MVAM from the C-store...and like many, it's because of the abilities granted by having a Lt. Commander for science. This gives my ship 3 abilities which,, if I use the Advanced escort, I would not have available to me.
1. Gravity Well
2. Photonic Shockwave
3. (My fav) Viral Matrix

The cool thing is that having only one science officer (instead of the two offered on the Advanced escort) has no bearing on the actual number of science abilities whereas both remain at 3. On top of that, the ability to have a Lt Comm Sci also gives me the flexibility to have an extra higher-level heal too.

The "sacrifice" is on the tactical side where your two tac officers each lose a rank in order to add a third tac officer. From my point of view, I actually don't mind this trade-off at all because I'm not giving up access to any powers exclusive to higher ranks. For example, Torpedo spread (now nice and useful since it's been revamped) can be had at ensign, and regardless of my choice to use it with an ensign tactical, my burst damage still remains quite effective.

Having said all that, I definitely prefer the flexibility of the way I can tweak the MVAM as opposed to the 'slightly more-hard-hitting' Advanced escort. Anyway, the added science abilities generally help me stay alive a little longer, while also proving to be useful to help my teammates deal out more damage as well.

Don't forget that PSW can be used defensively as well. The stun it creates will disable a tractor beam on you or a teammate, so you can use it to rescue yourself or a teammate if you get controlled. It can also knock Intrepid-Refits out of Ablative Armor... useful for finishing them off.