Im new to Sins and have some questions.  My early game feels really slow and awkward and I wonder if I am doing something wrong.  I usually play tec and start with the mothership and about 4 light frigates.  After about 25 minutes Ive usually expanded to about 4-5 worlds and start building trade ports.  Then my economy picks up and i start to build a larger fleet, and second capital ship, and do more research.

I feel incredibly vulnerable during those first 25 minutes and I wonder if an agressive enemy would just roll in and tear me apart.  Any tips would be greatly appreciated.  Should I expand to fewer worlds and get orbital commerce sooner?  Should i build a larger fleet and a second capital ship sooner?  Again any advice would be very helpful for me at this point.  Thanks!