I'm dissapointed too about no campaign...but the story is coming...the developers will make a story in an expansion.
They attack and loose a sizable force and retreat...I come in with cap ships and a fleet and destroy it.
And last...to DEFENSIVE players...what is your strategy?..do share i am curious
Yeah, that tends to be my strategy too, but keep in mind...if the enemy is smart enough he'll retreat back to a strong defensive point with repair stations before losing too many critical ships.
I tend to Build defensive structures close to the planet/asteroid with at least 2 repair stations. So my planets are completely surrounded by defenses...though sections not facing the phase lanes...tend to be weak....until I have extra money.
In SINS you really can't defend a planet without a fleet. So orbital defenses are there as a temporary measure until your fleet arrives.
Some people don't like defensive turrent/guns because they are weak...but they soak up a lot of damage. I tend to build a near balance of fighters and bombers...with bombers a slight majority.
But sometimes a good defense is a good offense...time your attack right after a pirate attacks the AI, or at the beginning of the game keep a high bounty on two AIs therefore they will bid against each other and leave you alone.
