spindown: FTL is great, but *very* difficult. I still haven't managed to beat the game despite trying more than 50 times and playing for over 20 hours. And that's on EASY difficulty. Beating FTL on normal difficulty seems utterly impossible to me. Then again, maybe I just suck at being a spaceship captain.
I found it very easy to beat the game on Easy with the Engi Cruiser (you unlock it after reaching the 5th sector for the first time). Try it if you haven't. Plus having drones crushing the enemy to bits for you while you dwiddle your thumbs behind four rows of shields is fun !
Barring that, don't try to win at first, explore ! The other ships are unlocked via "quests" found in the alien homeworlds. Chose these sectors when you have the possibility and explore them to the fullest, you might just get ships that better suit your play.
The Stealth Cruiser is especially awesome.
Game is awesome. Need to play moar tonight.