It's basically the same thing they did with the T1 and T5 T'varo, you need both to get the set bonus.
When I first got the game, I made it a priority to get the Galaxy class. But I also knew that there was still another ship requisition after. Not being all that concerned with playing with other characters and much more concerned with just having fun, I stuck with my T3 Galaxy until I got to Lvl 50. In hindsight, the game was slightly more challenging but worth it and enhanced my roleplaying immersion, while I saved up for a higher-grade Galaxy for the endgame content. A couple of boffs missed out on the ship action, so to make it up to them, I brought them on away teams. With that said, I don't imagine that you would be too constrained in sticking with whatever ship you choose til the end, if you truly love that ship. Just don't get into too many endgame PvE matches where teammates might have to depend on you
As Timelord has said in the hands of a good player who knows what he's doing, the Galaxy is near impossible to destroy in PvE. Even in PvP, its going to take a coordinated simultaneous alpha strike from 4-5 escorts to take down a well commanded Galaxy.
Thanks again for all your replies. I'm sorry for the delay in mine, but I was occupied with the birth of my second son (who arrived on the 19th). Scout: I'll take your spec advice to heart and work to configure my ship properly as time permits me to play. And I'll do my best to live up to Intrinsical's statement that my ship should become "near impossible" to destroy in PVE. Speaking of PVE: Which ones are considered endgame? I don't want to step on any players' toes, of course, but as far as I can tell, none of the PVE matches are so [obviously] labeled endgame or not, and they're open to anybody to join...
Basically everything in the queues and some level 50 missions are endgame. Plus most of the adventure/battlezones with the exception of Nimbus. Oh, and gratz on becoming a Dad.
Well, that stinks. I really like doing PVE to get some game time in when my wife isn't available (since she and I do missions together) and earn some marks and dilithium. (sigh). Thanks.
Not everything in the queues is exclusively endgame. Some of it you unlock at earlier levels, you can still do them while leveling, though generally you will have a harder time with them than level 50s since you don't have the gear and abilities they have and weaker hull/shields. The game will lump you in with the VAs and boost your level artificially up to sort of match them. While leveling you are comparable to a frigate during those missions.
This reminds me of a current problem I'm having: I just recently attained an Ambassador-class vessel, but it doesn't look as sleek as my modified Constitution-class vessel. However, it has an extra slot for my forward and aft weapons. I also had attained a heavy-cruiser, which looks like an updated version of the Stargazer. It also has three slots for the forward and aft weapons. What to do? Another dilemma is finding out how to soup up my ship, which may be heavy-cruiser. I am trying to find the best beam and torpedo weaponry. (I think the tetryon weapons ignores shields (?) so I'm focused on those weapons...and I seem to have a few add-ons that give my ship immunity, as well as 35 second help from some frigates when I need them). I recently bought a runabout, which I may use when on exploration missions in uncharted areas...or a trip to Risa....
Grats on being a dad At the level you are at, I'll go with just using white (common) weapons since there aren't really any special weapons at your level. Besides, you will quickly out-level these weapons and will have to upgrade again very soon. So save your energy credits, stick with whites and sell the old ones when you have been promoted. Rather, this is the best time to focus on the bridge officer abilities. Use the skill trainer to try out all of them. Figure out what each of them actually do and figure out when is the best time to use each of them.
Shikarnov: Congrats on simultaneously becoming a dad AND for adding a new ensign to the fleet Ensign Cutie Patootie, reporting for duty!
Well, I've had some time to reequip my ship... Going with all beam weapons was a great idea. The ship really keeps the pressure on enemies now -- especially when I deploy a turret to assist in any assaults. So thanks for the great advice on that front. Given how little time I actually get to play, I decided to cheat a bit and get some gear from the exchange. Having decent weapons and shields really helps to make the space battles (which are now mostly solo since my wife hasn't had much chance to play) go more smoothly. Plus some of that gear would go well with a Sovereign class whenever I get one (although I'm loathe to give up my beautiful Andrew Probert-designed Galaxy for a -- as Scotty once said about another newer design -- "bucket of bolts"). Thanks -- and to everybody else as well for congratulating us. Ensign Cutie Patootie is, indeed, reporting for duty; especially now that he fits in his command onesie.