
Disclaimer: I'm not a primary PHR player.
If you are open to magnetizing, you can setup a cruiser body to work with any light/normal/heavy configuration. I've kept each chin as a single swap-able part, and the weapons as 1 part per side. If you wanted less work, you can glue the chins, and swap weapons around and get some flexibility. The Hector + Bellerophon share the same chin, and the Ikarus + Perseus + Orion share the same chin.
Beyond that:
- the Bellerophon and Ikarus are both great ships if you like bombers/fighters.
- both of the assault troopships (Orpheus and Ganymede) are great at what they do.
- I really like the Theseus. I has pretty high damage potential and durability for it's points, and it's fast for PHR. It's also the only light cruiser in the game that can be taken as a single. I think it's a better pick that the Perseus.
- the medium turret guns on the front of some of the cruisers is trash. Just ignore it when picking ships.
- it's really hard to get maximum value from the cruisers with a F(n) and broadsides. It can be done, but takes careful planning.