So your crusers were able to outlast him and kill him? Sounds fine to me. Escorts usually have tactical slots filled with dps, rest with heals. If he can't kill you, his options are really limited, usually you can just run. It isl like combat knife vs. Swiss army knife, the blade is smaller but it can do more things.
If you want damage and tanking, go for Steam Runner! - No useless Ensign Tac slot - Great hull and shields - Great Console from T1 version for team stuff - Nice Engi layout - Fleet stats - Poor science capabilities tho - Only via Steam, but unlocks for every char
Well I have returned after a year so I dont know all the stuff, but it seems to me that W-> S is the way for escorts. You need just 25 impulse to get full defense bonus. Everthing more is just for speed. More shield power means more regen and resists if I am not mistaken.