I find it depends on the ships. I'm a big fan of the Directorate carrier+tormentors for the big cyber attack and the impressive durability while closing, but I find the crusiers are just a liability. The Dindrenzi carrier + gunships are absolutely beastly also. In contrast the Sorylian carrier + cruiser I find more compelling then the gunship, but then Skyhammers are pretty fraking good. The Relthoza carrier + Banes are another really good combo with the SRS and shunt shenanigans. The Terran and Aquan options are not so good though, largely because their other tier 1 options are so strong. The alliance fleets muddle things even more by introducing frigates and corvettes with many of the carriers and battlecarriers.