One more suggestion...

[Zogu]

p.s. you know you can edit your posts, yes?

yes. so?


About automated funny comments: Sim City 3000 has an automated headlines generator that works quite fine. Of course it can wear thin, but it takes a lot of time.

Snapshots: Take a snap each time a ship (friend or enemy) is about to blow up. Let the player decide which one to keep (or none). Add a R.I.P. comment on the picture when it's a friendly ship.

Anyway, I think lost ships should lead to a pop-up, after combat, reminding the fleet commander about the tragic events.