Micro is a valuable skill to learn for this and a lot of RTS games. The AI isn't all that smart with ability management, such as the Subverters performing Distortion Field on the same target or the Kol using its Gauss Rail Gun on a target already being focus fired (since the Rail Gun is affected by mitigation).
Although leaving abilities to autocast does get the job done, your ships can perform far more efficiently if you manage their abilites yourself.
