Help with balancing 500pt SM vs IN

[Zorcon]

I have recently introduced my 11 yo son to BFG. Surprisingly, the misses decided to join in too. We have played 3 games so far, adding more rules each time. I expect the next game all the applicable rules will be added. So far we have played the same lists:

SPACE MARINE FLEET
Strike Cruiser (145pts)
Strike Cruiser (145pts)
Gladius Squadron x2 (90pts)
Hunter Squadron x3 (120pts)

IMPERIAL NAVY FLEET
Tyrant (195pts)
Dauntless (110pts)
Sword Squadron x3 (105pts)
Cobra Squadron x3 (90pts)

My intent was to balance each side with 2 capitol ships and 2 escort squadrons. That gives my son and wife the same number of ships to control. However, after our last game I fear that I have short changed them a bit. The Strike Cruisers completely outmatch their IN counterparts, especially factoring in the Thunderhawks.

I suppose, we could just swap sides, but I would like to see if their list can be tweaked. The only thing that I could think of was to swap the Tyrant for a Gothic or Dominator (+/- 5pts).

Any suggestions?

[horizon]

Add a carrier to the imperial navy.
Learn them the massed turret rules.
Brace for impact.
Outshoot the marines.
IN lacks lances. Change cruiser to a lunar.

[ale_box]

Totally agree with horizon.
A bit more balanced (vs your marine fleet and keeping your ideas in term of numbers) could be:
-lunar
- dauntless (lance)
- 3 firestorm
- 3 cobra
IIRC it is 500 pts

[Zorcon]

Thanks for the input guys!

@ ale_box: I will try out that list, I totally forgot about the Lance Dauntless!

@ horizon: They both use bracing, but not always massed turrets. I really wanted to add a carrier to the IN, but couldn't figure it out at 500pts. This is what I had come up with at 510pts:

Dictator
Dauntless
3 Cobra
3 Cobra

[Zorcon]

I just found in the 2007 FAQ that Bracing protects against H&R attacks... Woops! That would have made a huge difference!

[horizon]

Yeah, the list from ale will work.
And iirc bracing against h&r was already allowed in the 2001 FAQ. Or even in the rulebook v1.0? Kinda forgot that.

[ale_box]

More important is that as per FAQ H&R do not cause autokill due to critical damage on escorts, but only on 4+ (3+ for marines)

[Zorcon]

Good to know, thanks.