[Atrocities]

Anywhoo my question is....should I go on the offensive even with my precarious defensive situation or should I let my enemies break themselves upon my defensive fleets in the hopes that eventually they'll give up?

I would construct a few mine sweepers before going on the offensive. Also build a repair ship or two and a couple construction ship and deploy mines and satellites at your warp points. Also arm your planets with weapon platforms.

Once your construction ships are built, deploy them to the warp points and build defensive bases and orbital ship yards.

Then with the minesweepers leading the way, go on the offensive. Take at least one or more planets with troops, but don't be afraid to glass a few into obivion.

Rememeber, Gun boat diplomacy works every time.