MAX PIPs to:
- SYS makes the shields stronger and they will recharge faster
- ENG makes the ship go faster and boost more frequently
- WEP makes the weapons last longer before they run out of energy or overheat
The theory behind PIP management is clear enough academically, it's the development of the muscle memory where the breakage is happening for me.
It's easy to understand where i need to be, but getting there ahead of when I need it is the missing link. To that end, I've tired here to express the theory into something more tangible, visceral, and tactile to help me absorb it.
Wade into a RES or CZ and immediately drop into patrol mode (3-3-0)
- SYS 2 clicks
- ENG 2 clicks
If you need to BOOST to cover ground, use 1 click to ENG, then 1 click back to SYS when you get there.
Pick your (sub)target, get into position, and prepare for attack mode (0-3-3)
- WEP 2 clicks
- ENG 2 clicks
- WEP 2 clicks
ATTACK!
If you are getting a lot of TIME ON TARGET, use 1 click to WEP, then 1 click back to ENG to keep in hot pursuit.
When pursuit is broken and no clear shot exists, return to patrol mode (3-3-0)
- SYS 2 clicks
- ENG 2 clicks
- SYS 2 clicks
If you are UNDER ATTACK, use 1 click to SYS, then 1 click back to ENG to find another target or reposition for another attack.
If you need to BOOST to get away, use 1 click to ENG, then 1 click back to SYS to find another target or reposition for another attack.
Take Away
The primary muscle memory you want to develop is this shuttling back and forth between patrol mode and attack mode, using 2 clicks to the side, 2 clicks up, and 2 more clicks to the side.
Then later as that muscle memory takes hold, add a short 1 click diversion to SYS, ENG, or WEP depending on conditions in each mode followed shortly by 1 click to return back to the mode.
Always be thinking of the mode you want to be in and use that 1 click diversion/recovery within that mode for fine tuning.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/sqxfld/pip_management_via_muscle_memory/