Look, buffer tank and low potential loot drops do indeed help to deter ganks. True, anything can be ganked, but they’re going to prioritize soft and profitable targets over hard and unprofitable targets. Think of it like a seatbelt. It won’t guarantee you won’t die in a car crash, but it will dramatically increase your chances of surviving. Of course, fitting extra buffer and being cheap does carry a cost in terms of isk efficiency. So, I won’t say that everyone should do it all times, but it certainly is a good way to mitigate your risk.
Second, make use of travel fits where appropriate (i.e. moving between incursion foci).
Third, you were kind of short on details. I mean, you didn’t even say what you use them for. However, one thing I can suggest is using abyssals to make cheap faction alternatives.