QUOTE (Harbin @ Apr 14 2010, 05:01 PM)

Wouldn't this be moot, as -4 AP as compared to +1 DV/-1 AP makes the difference through the net -2 AP? (Point being that the only reason it's better is because the AP rounds take off more, whereas the EX-ex rounds don't actually do as much.)
Not exactly. Keep in mind that one additional damage/hit on the attack is generally(on average, since hits are 5-6 on d6), worth three on the defense. Here's why.
When you attack, you roll your dice. Net hits add to damage. Say its a melee attack, using an improvised weapon at p=1/2 strength, on a troll, we'll be generous and assume its 7, which rounds up from 3.5 to 4. So, 4P. One net hit to actually land the blow raises that to 5P(if its not dodged). On the defense, they get a chance to reduce net hits to zero, before moving onto soaking damage. In both cases, the defender rolls something, whether its reaction or armor, and each
hit reduces the bad effects.
If your damage goes up by 1, and you still manage to hit, then your opponent needs 3 more dice(on average) on the defense test to get rid of that +1.
So yes. Critical strike is free lunch. Its a matter of scale, how much bp/karma/powerpoints you're willing to invest to be good at something. You don't -need- penetrating strike, but it can help tip the odds in your favor - especially against barriers and when combined with shattering blow for when you just need to punch rigger coccoons in half.