The ISC believes in quality over quantity...
Their main phasers all can fire in the FA arc...
The "W" refits provide "adequate" PD against most "normal" droners...
The Pl-I is cool and effective, if a bit of a power hog. Nothing like watching 2-3 PFs pop at once...
They have late era engines on all versions of their ships, making their early cruisers act like "fast" cruisers...
The "Stealth" turn modes and BPV levels: The CL / CS is about as powerful as many CCs, at turn mode C. The CAs are closer to BCH levels at turn mode D...
They have their own tactic, the Echelon formation. Too bad it's almost a necessity to make some of their ships work... (DN anyone?)
And the usually mentioned PPD...