I second the hotkeys for utilities comment. Also I wonder if it would be possible to auto-stagger-fire for instant shots like lasers and mining. Maybe even make it a toggle. That way you're not burning 7 battle canons to fry a recon scout.
this actually reminds me of X3 more than homeworld. I must be stupid because I cannot for the life of me find the toggle for the pirates to respawn. Maybe my save is too old or it's because I've already killed them all...Ah well maybe I'll start a new save from scratch ;D 5/5 faved!
SPOILER:
Did anyone else on the first "collected all the gems" ending see the little dwarf's face contort into FFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU when the chest started talking about the deity? XD
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Can confirm, pro tip.