Why don't you take the largest hull there is, put transport modules and a carrier module. Load some 5 or 6 fighters and call it a day. Of course, mini-fighters as a weapon class seems stupid. Or Just say you can load 4 or 3 heavy fighters and\or 6 small fighters. The point would be to eliminate range and part logistics. Pick the biggest and best weapons and strap 'em on, instead of life support and fancy engines. And if you think that if we get carriers we need a drawback to keep it fair. Well,just take away speed, so carriers won't be able to take part in too many engagements. So carrier positioning will be a key to having an effect on the outcome of any war and would add to strategy more.I want give credit for this idea to Kintor for bringing it up. And such a golden idea has been almost completely ignored.
P.S.you can make any adjustments or corrections if you like