Would it be helpful to add the info Donner provided in this post about a general ship overview to the FAQ? I think it would:
Bjarlspire can take damage for othes and is a tank.
Ranak Warbeast like to hit all unengaged ships and blow up its own tech. Especially effective when outnumbered.
Basillios likes installing and reinstalling tech for carious effects.
Tharendim assassinates ships that have low shields.
Karrach's (sp?) Claw rams ships with less defense than it has offense.
Vigilance converts shield energy to weapon energy often.
Marrot's Folly gambles on some tech and has tons of cash.
Conclave of Nyphon supports others and also has cash (gives them weapons and temp shields)
Uxshenti's Wrath is very mobile and can go through its deck quickly.
And Grey Hammer blows up its tech to damage other ships. Especially effective vs. individual strong ships.