@Admiral Mason, I've definitely seen some...
exaggeration from previous posts. If you would like to read the full discussion regarding the Copperhead changes (including posts from the Developer who lead them and spent their time on it, check out this post
here.
Interesting thought process, though incorrect.
This isn't a bad idea necessarily. I like the way in which you were going, although it's hard to compare the two when the staple feature of Firestorm (and to a latter extent, Fortune Hunter) are not currently functioning in their entirety. While I wouldn't remove all the speed from a Stormchaser in this regard, I think this could be a way to balance the two accordingly later down the road.
The problem with the current system is that you CANNOT balance SvS on its own. Ships function nearly identically between SvS and Free Roam combat, which is how Disney implemented it and is ALSO why they ran into so many balance issues. Believe me, if it were possible just to lower damage values of different ammunition, it would have been done. It isn't that simple.
Also,
No they weren't. The hull upgrades had just as many 'balance issues' as they do in present day, which is one of quite a list of reasons as to why the game is in beta. It just isn't reasonable to expect
nothing to change from how the base game was. Prevalent POTCO bugs are and will continue to be patched out, glitches too, and the game is going to be made into a working order that is enjoyable both in performance and gameplay.