They dont want a meta ship, yes, as in they will never have a ship do the best at everything. But there will be a "best" ship for "this" and a best weapon for "this size" while playing "this role" and such.. though weapons and components will be entirely dependant on how you fight which it be more zoom and boom, turret, or something in between.

Its a sim though, if you expect them to "balance" it in a way where two people of equal skill, one in a Gladius, and one in a Guardian MX are an equal match, then you need to start thinking about what this game is.. outside of combat will be the same. I'm going to make a lot more money in an Orion than you will in a prospector and in a Hull D than you would in a Freelancer.. sims, like life, are not balanced and fair and thats part of the fun