How do you use X effectively?

I take back all the bad things I say about teleports - I have found a use for them.

With a gun-heavy strategy (eg few/no fighters), teleports are really handy to allow you to quickly close the gap with enemies, and dodge large missile volleys. Right now I have it equipped on an Armada, which allows me to use that ship as a meat shield for weaker support ships. By being able to jump around every 10 seconds, I haven't lost a single ship (in 2 games running) and have only had to retreat twice.

Still trying to justify the escape pod and (large) shield boost.