[Arkcon]

Here's something fun to try. Turn on all minister except one -- you are that minister. For example, you do the research, and the the design minister build the ships. Or just take what the research minister gives you and design ships.

You won't get bogged down with micromanagement, but you will have a challence dealing with the ministers crappy decisions.

Or just be a general. Turn off a minister for just one frigate. Use that one on tactical, and build up his ship and fleet experience. As he gets closer to Elite, add later, bigger ships to his fleet.