Here's the scenario:
-map, tempest
-real estate owned, 1/4 to 1/3 of star system
-strong trade routes, but i spend it as fast as it comes
-ai opponents (1 tec, 1 advent)
-4 to 5 frontlines =< 1 jump from a fleet
-3 fleets (2-3 caps, usually a kol with an akkan or some other; at this point in game at least 2 fleets have 10-20 kodiaks, 15-25 lrms, some supports; sprinkle of basic frigs; not so many siege units)
-each frontline planet has some defense force (low end: 2 squadrons with some cannons, high: 10-14 squadrons with more cannons), but no planet shields or repair bays (from reading i get the impression these may make a difference)
-started making more flaks to bolster fleets
-most frontline planets have 1 jump inhibitor
-missle tech is maxed, laser/cannon is up there too, armor is almost max, shield tech is upper mid
-civic tech is standard, started pumping diplomacy, but dunno if its worth it, besides econ bonuses


PROBLEM:
-enemy has me consistently on the defensive, choosing to hit and run before taken heavy losses. im usually able to snag a few frigs and a cap ship before they jump, but they end up widdling my pop down and its affecting my income..
-i dont feel my planet forces are strong enough to leave and go on offensive, so i stay and tech. i feel like rome--over-extended. each aquisition, even asteroids, seem to create more liability and instability for maintaining empire (end up shuttling fleets back and forth to deal with attacks, while taking gradual losses


QUESTIONS:
1) how can i stabilize and be more offensive, before enemies gets too strong to defend against--> aforementioned pillow suffocation
2)is the novalith/deathstar weapon worth the investment? can it shoot past more than 1 gravwell?
3) is more than 1 jump inhibitor better/more effective?
4) is planet shield worth it?


basically, 5 hours into this debacle i refuse to lose--replaying from my last saved game (above).

please advise,
thanks