I use fast monitors for static defence agains superior enemy (max-forced drives, small fuel tanks, 1 axial or lance, several quick-firing beam cannons and small MW, minimal armor and shielding; tug them to the point once for 4-5 years or use station) with aux cutters (1 minimal MW + optinally 1 minimal RG).
Beam light cruisers (non-forced drives, decent fuel tanks) - to block critical frontier points temporarily.
Several times there was squadrons of battlecruisers (more fuel, armour and shielding than monitors, still the same fast damage-dealer focus of design) to block very critical frontier point, but it's not my preferable tactics.