I've managed to get up to the point of fighting the spathi and then loaded up on fuel ready to get the Fot-Zot-Que to join us... however, I can't seem to surivve my way there. Between the Sylandro probes and Ur-Qur dreadnaughts I just get destroyed. Do you guys have any hints on what I can do the rectify this? thanks
what you need is THRUSTERS. Go fast, avoid fights. At the Outfit Starship section of the starbase, select 'module' then press up to get into the maneuvering aspects of your starship. With decent speed you won't need to get into so many fights that you'll be creamed.
ZFP are in dangerous territory, as you have discovered. I'd recommend not trying to stick your head in there before upgrading your thrusters and turning jets to full, then you can just fly past the hyperspace enemies. If you do get caught, then rememebr that you (should) have a pseudoenemyship in your fleet that can kick the bejeezus out of them.
Also, regarding fighting the spathi, you may want to look into finding their homeplanet and having a chat.