Never played Starmada, but have the last three editions and IMO the Admiralty Edition seemed like an excellent game. Not too much fiddly stuff in the basics, lots of optional extras for people who want more. The latest version (Nova?) wasn't much of an upgrade IMO...for instance the weapon arcs are insanely detailed.
Always liked Full Thrust, but never liked Vector movement. My NSL fleet was immensely powerful with Vector movement. The fleet had insanely powerful forward weapons and I could always vaporize enemies before they could get within range of their weapons. Apply some thrust to get moving, change your facing now and then and BLAZE AWAY!