you can catch me online as F7. Best advice I can give you is to watch the replay of online matches in the perspective of the more experienced players. See what they research, how they fleet, when they use certain units and how they use the units in their micro/clicking.
If you're in between two allies, the idea is to fill all logistic slots you have with trade ports and colonise as many planets as possible. Then 'feed' resources to allies.
If you find yourself between an ally and an enemy, the idea is to go military and kill your opponent asap.
If you find yourself between two enemies, the idea is to build defenses and starbase your homeworld because you will find yourself up against two enemy fleets trying to take you out asap. Your job in this scenario would be to survive as long as possible, buying time for the rest of the team. You should also ask for 'feed' in order to achieve this. If you cannot survive in this scenario, build a colony ship and evacuate near your allies or the middle of the galaxy.
When fleeting online, you have to use a minimum of two frigate factories producing at the same time on one planet.
If you see 'neutral' extractors, take them and guard them with your life.
