I know this must be on my end when so many players can enjoy crossfire, but I don't want to turn everything upside down to search for errors when everything else runs just fine.

Downloading the patch doesn't work, error 404.

then its a firewall problem

Actually, Nomad Lasers are better if you can mount them, but have a shorter range than the blaster and cannon. Hull damage over 1000 each shot X 2 .

But when I run a combat set up, I usually use 2 cannons, 2 blasters, neutralizer and firestalker missles with Adv. CM and Ripper mines. If I can mount all class 10 weapons, then paralyzer missles (since they're class 10)

I use the paralyzers to take down a shield followed closely by a firestalker to remove the opponents weapons in a 1-2 punch with the K.O. using guns.