"Stock ships" is basically its own individual setting, as with settings from any other zone. Regardless, as long as the players' ships are equal, players from other zones will win. Also d1st0rt, it is amazing how much strategy HS players put into their ships to help their team. /sarcasm However, I do agree with Aceflyer on the point that whether or not you are a skilled player, a stock ship cannot win against another with better items in a fair fight.