Re: how do turns play out?
 

Tactical combat is great for that - your legendary ship you've won and lost so many battles with, bLasting apart an enemy ship, and then running hard as that pack of CSMs comes screaming up behind you and your 5 remaining shield points. http://www.shrapnelgames.com/ubb/images/icons/icon7.gif

It all depends on how well you get into a game and/or roleplay.

Of course, it always helps to make small numbers of the biggest ships, so they stay alive longer. Or, going with a fleet, and naming all your members.