Lyrans aren't great shakes to learn for Fed captains who are used to watching their power, but like Dizzy said, it's stardate that determines. The difference comes between photons and ESG's. No surprise there. But mastering the use of the ESG is possibly the hardest weapon in the game, IMO anyway.
Personally, I think the direct fire captains have the toughest job, because the droners and plasma chuckers can fire and forget. It's fun and sometimes easy. The best of them, like Chuut, Scippy, Agave or whatever ***** or ******** will fry you in a second if you're careless. But for the most part, it's a plasma ballet. Take a few hits and say GG as you make your way across the border.
But when a Fed, Hydran or Lyran gets in your face, call your dentist.