I read some stuff about the creation and PvP balance in JGE.  And I was a bit disappointed at not their idea for game balance, but more for the reason to create the classes they have. 

Based on the trailer for BP it seems they may have taken a different approach.  In real military different vessels serve a specific combat based task.

- fighters = are to maintain a general superiority (F-16)

- interceptors = move fast and are equipped with long ranged high payload air-to air missiles with the primary task of destroying approaching bombers (F-14)

- light bombers = in navy these speciafically attack capital ships

- light capitol ships = are general defense and offensive

- heavy capitol ships = target all other capital ships and are general offensive and defensive

Now this is a navy comparison.  Each vessel has its abilites (speed, armor...) and payloads created based on its criterea for its task.  Freespace seemed to do this.  Using the above for a design philosophy (in theory) would enable a player to choose their specific role (as a class).  Obviously there are plenty of changes that would need to be made ot get it to work (apart form my real world example.) 

So if I liked playing a frigate class ship.  It would obviusly have mroe armor and and a higher payload than a heavy fighter class.  But it would be slower to amuever and be very vulnerable to bombers, but it could take on more fighters pound for pound over larger capital ships.  It would have a  place to defend the larger ships or serve as a forward fireing platform to support friendly fighters.

It makes sense, but based on any available info have this or JGE done any of this kinda thing?  BP has professed a place for larger player owned ships.  It seems to make sense that a player could choose how they want to support their fleet vs bigger is better.  Maybe respawn times for smalelr ships will be faster so they can get back into the fight?

You are trying to overanalyze things. This is a skill based MMO.  I'm sure there will be plenty of rock/paper/scissors out there with the different ships and loadouts.  There will be bombers that specialize in blowing fighters out of the sky as well as Fighters that will go bomber hunting.

That's what makes point to shoot awesome, you rely on your skills to get the job done. it places less emphasis on what ship you are in. A really good pilot is deadly in anything.