Ship builds are a quite subjective, like you probably already already noted.... ask 5 people and you will get 8 opinions. ;-) For starters, I switched from the ASP to a Phantom long ago, and never looked back. Couldn't get over the boxy shape and the terrible sounds of the ASP. The Phantom is just pure sleek and slender looking sexyness, and even has sensor arrays on its wings, like a true exploration vessel should. Also, it is a little more flexible with more internal capacity.
But I also get, that the ASP is THE iconic exploration ship, so I probably will get jumped upon for the plasphemy.

Can't go wrong with it either.
- I went with an engine focused PD with cluster capacitors. You really don't ever need regeneration of the WEP and SYS capacitors out there.
- My is PP also A-Grade, but with low emissions G4 stripped down. I have come to really appreciate good heat efficiency, makes fuel scooping a lot more relaxing.
- drop one of the hangars, like said already
- I dont think A-rated shields are necessary, there is a good argument for forgoing them entirely. They just add a lot of weight. I have been totally fine with 3D enhanced low power/ stripped down so far. And I have them always turned off in travel mode to reduce power consumption.
- Wouldn't bother with point defenses
my 2 cents.
Edit: Here is my build, for your consideration:
Wanderer II