Hi Odlid
4@AES-100 = 64,375 x 4 = 257,500-POW (prior to Bomber multiples)
4@MAU-200 = 50,750-marines x 3-pow/marine x 4 = 609,000 (prior to Bomber multiples)
Typically, you want shield and weapons to balance. This is unbalanced towards weapons, and might be retreated too soon. Suggest 5-6 AES, and 2-3 MAU (at those relative strengths)
Assault Bombers are a great small ship choice. However, if the mods are too low level, you're better off financially with an unoptimized ship and more mods. Let's check that:
AB-10 on a Frigate = $5,200,000 x 10 = $52,000,000 and confers +200% to weapons, shields, and armor. So the same as another 8@AES-100 + 8@MAU-200
8@AES-100 = $26,150,400
8@MAU-200 = $8,811,200 + ($30/marine x 50,750-marines x 8) = $8,811,200 + $12,180,000 = $20,991,200
So the Optimization's $52,000,000 is buying you the benefit of $47,141,600 in mods and marines.
Meaning you're right at the tipping point in terms of your tech level. I'd say go for the Bomber - your tech is only going to improve, and so will the advantage the Optimization gives you.
This won't be a great platform for COMs, though - not enough fine tuning available - but you said it was for a Defender, so no problem
Assuming VIP and full Combat Tech (but no Officer), your ship's Pow would be over 3m!
Federation's been hunted to under 1k Pow (both alts).
GeneralTiberius is down to 94k.
ConPlays is 52k.
You'd be way past them, and any other Troll using simple alts to gain renewable power (through SEA).
Would an established player go after you? Not typically, but there's no certainty in life or AG ;-)