I have been pondering the whole Contragravity vs thrust idea.
Consider the implications of of Contragravity as a shield from gravity model, for ship operations.
1st off all space flight becomes straight line paths for the most part, with gravity becoming a choice instead of the law. Near planet operations are much simpler.
2nd Take-offs and landings are much simpler, streamlining becomes optional. Primarily it is for ships that do lots of high speed lower atmospheric maneuvering. (Hint, if a balloon can reach orbit so can a unstreamlined ship).
3rd Honestly this is the model I have seen used in games and not the thrust model.
