To the Group,
Well I figured out the problem. It had to do with the game modifications that I was doing. We've run a TNG based mod for years (using an earlier version of SFC OP - prior to all patches). It's worked well. In this mod we used the Hydran slot for Breen, which used ESG as a main weapon.
Best I can figure, when 2552 was created, the game was adjusted for ESG / Hellbore interaction, and since Hydrans used Hellbores, well, let's just say the Hydran slot isn't too happy using ESG's under 2552.
So, simple solution, don't use ESG in the Hydran slot for 2552, and problem solved!
Thanks for the thoughts on and offline guys!
KC