Demo difficulty (or Do I just suck?)

[IdeoPraxist]

You might also want to use hit-and-run tactics. Target, fire your load, run away, position behind the enemy, attack. Repeat

If you're fighting fighters or satellites, you can ram them. Your ship won't get damaged much compared to being shot by them.

Rotate your ship so the damage is evenly distributed to hit your shieds and armour on all side. Internal component damage is deadly, so let your shields/armor take the punishment.

The Last part, is be patient. The game is pretty difficult at the begining, but it does get better as you improve your ship.

POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENT: Perhaps the Starfury team should increase allowable tonnage in the demo so a few more weapons/shields can be added. Only after I bought a Cruiser Mark III the game became fun. With a Cruiser, I had good battles with 2-3 pirate cruisers. You really get shot to pieces, but with good tactics you can survive.

Good luck.