Space Mission Difficulties

Ok, I have recently resubscribed because I wanted to give 1.2 a whirl.

I have been a proponent of a more challenging and deep space combat system, but I still played the heck out of the space missions because they were generally a good way to augment experience while leveling. I see a lot of misinformation in this thread about what you NEED to complete space missions (on any difficulty); but as my experience was with the missions before 1.2, I am also curious if there were any actual changes to the difficulty.

Someone mentioned in this thread that you sometimes start on a different "rail" than normal. Is this true? Is this intended? Is this a bug?

Was there any mention in any patch notes about changes to Space Combat at all? (I can't be bothered to rifle through the notes, because I am sure there are people who pay more attention than I do).

Unless there really are changes to the hitpoints of enemies, or to the damage your ships can sustain/dish out, then I disagree with most of the people in this thread stating you "NEED" lvl6 purple upgrades. I also disagree that you "NEED" the EMP upgrade. I am not sure I have even purchased, let alone equiped, the EMP on any of my characters, and I have completed all levels and (pretty sure) all bonuses. In most levels, it is entirely possible to acheive the minimum mission objectives entirely with lasers. Takes some practice and memorization but it is possible.

That is not to say that the items don't help, but they certainly arent required.

I am still very curious if the "rail" has been changed on some maps. With the way the levels have you "bearly" missing asteroids and ships, I can't immagine any change to the rail being intentional, and that could very well contribute to the "increased difficulty".

Due to the problems with switching between Proton Torpedoes and Missiles, I never equip the Proton Torpedo.

This. Everything is killable with missiles, just start shooting at the bridge as soon as you can target the ship, don't wait until you are doing close runs.

The only thing that I've personally noticed is a change in the capital ship's firing pattern. There used to be a very simple: w - d - s - a, space bar w - a - s - d [repeat all mission long] pattern that allowed you to avoid nearly 100% of all incoming fire to the ship. From my experience: this doesn't work as effectively and I'm actually getting hit again.

The fly-by fighters attacks are still the same predictable pattern, and the 'mini-boss' class ships retained their avoidable pattern as well. However both the republic 'egg' cruiser and imperial destroyer are ripping away my shields with amazingly accurate ion cannons / barrages of turret fire. [In particular on the republic side: the frigate ships seem to be more difficult to juke as well.]

It may be discounted as my own perception; but that is all I've been able to notice.

I will have to try these post 1.2.

Prior to 1.2 I never used shield mode once and I couldn't even tell you how to switch to proton torpedoes. Never switched to them and I've never used them. Nor have I needed to.

Also, EMP is a waste. Never use it on the char I do have it on, and don't have it on the other. Don't miss it ever. The jammer is huge though. Can save you when you slip up.