The few times I have played EA I have usually played a fleet fo Novas (Novaea?) supported by Avengers. 5 point Raid fleet is 3 Nova's and an Avenger (20 Fighters, a fleet carrier, and 3 flying bricks)--War fleet is double that.
I have had good luck with it even egaist the Minbari (my usual fleet).
THe FIghters give you the ability to saturate 1-2 ships per turn with fire, while the Novas and Avenger(s) have teh fire power and stayign power to mix it up with any body.
Generally, Anythign under Raid level you should be able to deal with with the fighter screen, and Anything Raid or higer is what the Capital ships cna close with and slug it out with.