Ran a match today and this bloke acquired 3 caps ships within about 15 mins of the game start.  It was a small map, 2v2, all settings at normal and there were a total of 8 planets to each side - so each partner split 4 worlds/asteroids.  My partner and I were shoring up the frontline and enhancing our economy.  Within 7 mins we won the bidding against the pirate attacks.  By 15 mins we owned the front line and built in the defenses and setup a small incursion force.... Our cash flow was streaming in.  But then, 3 cap ships from one player rolls in and smashes the front line.  Followed 3 mins later by an armada of frigates and cruisers.   Ive never seen anyone build a fleet that fast, especially on the map size we played and with that scale of a fleet.  Gotta figure out the design to that course of action.