If Petro could convince LucasArts that a C&C game would earn more than enough money than the money put into developing it and buying the name then we'd get the C&C we always wanted.
What I'm trying to say is that the counter for an SSD should/would be a few good rebel Mon Cal ships. Tactically and strategically the 2 sides should play differently and not be cookie-cutter sides like you said. We just need more information.
But the 2 sides are very different from each other so that theory is shot. Unless you prefer the game to be as non strategic as possible. *bob has build a SSD* 'Oh no, if he attacks i'm sunk, unless I build a Star Defender and some support ships"
Just becuase its RTS doesn't mean the rebels need the same ship to counter it. Quite the opposite in fact. All the rebels need is a few Mon Cals and some fighter squadrons to take the beast down. Fighters to take out hardpoints while the ships are used as decoys. Once the shields are gone its bye bye. I don't see why people like copy-and-paste balancing so much.
generals is not even worthy of being called a C&C. It has NO story and doesn't fit the other C&C games at all. its EA sucking up money by using the C&C name. though it has some good mods.