XP in this game is very significant. I've had some of my initial small ships survive to have 40-50 hp as the wars wear on. In this regard I've found certain squirrels and other minor races are excellent places to train up ships and ship experienced troops to the front line. However, a PQ 15 is certainly not worth using as a training field, so just before I stomp a minor race under my demonic heel, I offer them a peace treaty + my worst planet. (Usually the size 4 in your home system that has 1xstardock and 3x factory). Then next trun take over the PQ15, and have your homeplanet churn out fleets who spend time blowing up defenders around the PQ4 planet for some nice easy xp.

Takatok