My current rank is 483 and currently upgrading laser tech to 10. My fleet consists of 5 BS, 17 Cruisers and 9 HF. I keep it temporarily low in order to start building bomber, BC and destroyer quicker. Hopefully in 10-15 days I will be able to build all of those ships.
I have almost no defense so no one attacks me and I keep investing on research until I can start building other 3 ships. Then I will start extending my fleet.