The Runabout is fairly tough even in Decipher, relative to it's size.. It can survive multiple hits to it's shields from a capital class ship.. but there is no way to realistically have it survive much more! In any system a vehicle that size next to a Startrek sized capital ship would not last long. It's manouverability bonus is what allows it to survive, by performing evasion manouveurs. Engineers also make ships last longer too.. I have found performing Jury Rig during combat extends it by a hell of a lot.. though with Runabouts you don't have many hull points to lose before UH OH..
There is also the optional rule of ejecting the forward module as an escape pod.. at least it HAS an escape pod!![]()