Well from what you folks write I guess I have to put more emphasis on training facilities.
@brian:
I thought only one trining facility per system is effective??
Talisman is out since my race is not religious.
oh, and: I switched from fast combat to slow via options and really it weren't my weak old eyes - my ships really shot only into the vacuum while my enemy ... well usually gets a scary 100% hit to fire ratio (yes, without a talisman)