I just want to point out that smaller galaxies mean 6 waves of 2-4 fleet incoming per wave when you do get incoming. I know that there are players that do it but no one really wants to sit online for 6 hours and try to dc that kind of incoming on themselves especially when its a ghost town online at night. And you have to function at work the next morning.
In order for the game to profit its going to have to cater to the casual player. Kinda like world of warcraft etc. A majority of the player base are in the 25+ age demographic now with Families and a lot of responsibility. I fall in this category, I love the game, I'll spend money on the game. So will they
I do agree with the attitude issue. Its simply a "me first" game. You defend so you'll get defended.
With regards to new players there is going to have to be some sort of benefit for the players in game to help the new guys. Its a different text based model game but KingsofChaos. com does this really well. I still prefer planetarion and the entire clicking thing is annoying. But its an example of what im talking about.