I highly advice not to ignore the R&D system. Do the daily R&D projects for 6000xp and unlock more R&D slots.
Most important reason for doing that are the R&D traits which are pretty good.
Trait unlocks at Level 15 of each school of R&D.
Beams
On activating Beam skill, gain 2% Beam damage for 20 sec. Stacks x3.
Cannons
On activating Cannon skill, gain +1 Turn Rate, +1 Inertia for 20 sec. Stacks x3.
Projectiles
Your Torpedoes and Mines penetrate an extra 10% of your target’s shields
Shields & Arrays
Activating a Shield Heal gives the target 99% Shield DR for 1 second
Science
Your Particle Generator skill gives up to 25% bonus Crit chance on Science powers (at 100 PartGens)
Engineering
Activating any Engineering Bridge Officer ability gives 20% Damage Reduction for 3 seconds.
Ground Weapons
All of your ground weapon attacks penetrate 10 armor rating.
