That helps (I did it right off the bat), but even high enough that the beeps are PAINFULLY loud, not all of the voice recordings are understandable. As to new strategies - they are Spec-mission happy. I've been losing about 1 defense building every 5 days. And they captured Disra. Who was the just-installed admiral on a fleet of mine. I also find that everything repairs really, really fast. Which is handy, because a poor Carrack of mine keeps getting about two volleys from being killed, only to be back up to full 40 days later. On the other hand, it does remind one of EAW. As well, characters seem to heal very quickly, but then, mine rarely get shot.