http://pxlbyte.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Dont-touch-me-you-filthy-casual.jpgJokes aside. Yes StarSector is pretty unforgiving at the start. It would do with a basic "Contingency and battle tactics" booklet.
A few basic things; At the start its not worth settling for less than 6.0 Maximum burn. The reason for this is that most of the fleets you will have issues with at 2-4 MB. While you will also want to be catching several 4.0 MB fleets (anything with a buffalo in it)
As for "too much loot" The Hound is a very light freighter, (MB: 8?) and can hold a good amount of cargo. and wont slow the fleet down.
Theyre not the best in combat, so its normally a safe play to not deploy them. but when it comes to it you can deploy them (just make sure you have a long range weapon equipped)
Brawlers to start off with are not the best ships due to their lower MB. They might look nice from a survivability and damage PoV. but that isnt going to get you very far with the big fleets breathing down your neck.
Excalibur Bane; As far as the post-combat penalty goes. you want to pick your fights a little better. make sure youre aware of your surroundings. (you can zoom out a little further than default)
Also if youre having alot of trouble you should post your current fleet. and perhaps loadouts, we might be able to help a little better.
In Lasher vs Lasher combat there are 2 default lasher builds. One is a pretty easy counter (Salamander + LAG's) you just have to play it safe and wait for him to run out of missiles before you pile on the pressure. The second (LDAC's and Harpoons) is a bit of a tougher cookie, the kinetic autocannons will chip your shields away and the Harpoons are just evil.
(Huh, funny that, the codex lists 6 variants but ive only ever seen the Standard and Close support)
noob_i_am; the brawler is designed as more of an assault ship. Its the hardest hitting frigate you can buy. however it makes sacrifices with its lack of PD. Most of the T1 or T1.5 frigates are like this (having to trade various features for others)
DatonKallandor; Giving away a free freighter is very.. hmm. Too easy? perhaps a suggestion to the player would be better. Since theyre is often always a hound for sale. Hounds are the best early freighter. As they wont impact your MB much (if at all) while carrying a good amount of cargo. They can also be used in combat in a pinch, Their only real downside is the lack of cargo space when compared to a Buffalo or (the massive blue one that the buffalo is apparently based off) however those two will impact your MB.