I think it depends on the situation and what you need. I try not to build too many caps since people just focus fire on them and take them down most of the time. But if you have a good Advent battle ball going, I'd probably go (1) Progenitor, (2) Halcyon, (3) Halcyon or Progenitor, (4) Halcyon or Progenitor (whichever I didn't take at #3). Maybe then I'd do a Radiance (whichever one has the domination ability) or another Progenitor for more shield restore.
Now, if you're in a situation where have to migrate in a team game because you started out between opponents then you might just pump out a couple Progenitors.
Why not come play the game in online multiplayer and see how your build strategy works out? You'll get to enjoy more competitive and intense games against real human opponents (as opposed to AI that can't micromanage its ships or its capital ships' abilities--an opponent with one or two arms tied behind its back), human allies, camraderie, teamwork, and you might even make some friends and perhaps use voice comm some day.
Yeah, multiplayer. I think each time I load up Sins I click on the Ironclad Online tab and log in. But, I'm playing in Japan Standard Time, so usually there are no games going on, or only 1 or so. Also, I tend to like long drawn out games that last a couple of days worth of saves. Those don't lend themselves to multiplayer very well. You're right, though, I should just give it a try anyway. I picked up Demigod and when I can log on there, I've had fun playing online...though I've found some good folks to play with near my timezone for that.
To the others, thanks for your replies. Just to clarify, this isn't a single cap fleet I'm talking about. It's more a request on how to best take advantage of a few caps and their synergistic abilities. I did like the suggestion of having one fleet that has two Progenitors in it...one focused on shield restore while the other is focused on Malice. Stick a Radience in there as point and then build up a bunch of good Frigates to support and sounds like things would be nice.
One kinda random question, is there a UI mod or something that will show all the special ability buttons for a specific fleet on the UI? I mean, say I have a fleet with two Progenitors and a Radience. I have to keep clicking on each ship to fire its special ability. Sometimes it's rather difficult to find the ship I'm looking for. Would be much better if the abilities available for the selected fleet could all be there.
Thanks for the replies, though. Keep 'em coming if ya have more. 