This game has many issues to solve.
Port Battles - they need to fix mechanics so they are more relevant and u just cant fast cap multiple ports in one evening.
Ships - as we tier up the smaller ships become less relevant.
PVP - if the contingents r not close to even, then its 1.5 hours of running or chasing.
Port Timers - the timers can be abused - and if a Governor is no longer in the game, the controlling faction cannot adjust the timer.
Nation Player base imbalance - thats a tough one - dont know how u fix this.
With respect to the Franco/Swedish vs Britain War, PvP combat will always be on the fringes of your territory. The Diplo and Forum chat by the combatants flavor the conflict. You put out the call for the fleet to form and who ever shows up, thats your evenings entertainment.
John Bernard [TCF]