@"Sombra Hookier"
Who said space is not dangerous? I mean, this is Sci-Fi but lets put it into a reality perspective. Its shields, like any other Sci-Movies and games, supposedly protects the ship from kinetic energy or anything “solid”. The ship is meant to be a racing ship and not meant for combat. Its thin armor plating is light and weak already so having pipes sticking out cannot make it worst than how it is already.
@Reeves
We wanted it to keep it similar to its original design. Haphazard design. Very agile, quick yet easy to destroy if caught in trouble.
@Durandal
Yes, ofcourse. Although counter weight is not needed in space but planetary entry or docking on a station I might as well add it.