If you had relocated all those resources you spent on the scouts, the cobalts, the siege frigates (WTF?) and the flak (24? Try 0, use fighters instead) and put everything on Javelis, you would have done much [b]MUCH[/b] better. I don't say Kodiaks because I dunno the stage of the game you're at.
I like Radiance the most, even though I always go for Progenitor for my first cap. The only thing I don't like about the Progenitor is the lv6 skill, which I never use, unlike the Radiance, which has every skill being useful for something (Antimatter control, Aggro, Defense, Damage). Plus I hate having to position the Progenitor every battle to get it to fire the way I want it to (sides and front).
Wow nice! +Karma for you! I usually play Advent and I find this so helpful to know what the + and - are for other races' ships without having to put extensive play on them.
Having a lack of mineral is a common thing on this game. The best option is to use the Black Market to buy the needed crystal. Sell excess metal if you have to, usually more than 1000 metal is a luxury unless you're planning for expensive research or building a big fleet quickly. Also if you find an Ice planet with 3+ crystal mines, make that a priority. Research/build Trade Outposts to get more credits to buy more crystal, etc, etc.
On huge multi random maps you will start on the edge of one of the systems and have one AI on each side, pirates on the center. After you explore around your homeworld, explore your sides to see who are they. Decide then which one you are going to take out and which one you're going to befriend. You'll probably want the one that gives you a "gimme X" mission. Or even better, a mission against the faction on your other side. With 50% standing or maybe less you can sign a Cease Fire and that's usu
