i think the reason you need to pay for things is because the troopers are mercinaries.think about it. have you seen the transport that brings them thier supplies? if you ask me,that screams non-standard.
yes,your own ships is what this game needs.say,fighters for the anti-fighter and swarmer and such role,and gunboats armed with missles for taking out motherships. man,that would be so awsome!