And we did this by using whatever we had available.
Can’t fly an interceptor?
Slap together a speedy frigate and use it to lock down targets until friendlies arrive.
Can’t fly an assault frigate?
Load up a combat frigate with either a lot of tank or a lot of firepower.
Sure, the Tech 1 ships are not as good as the Tech 2 ships, but they are MUCH cheaper and give you an idea on what you can get away with using tactics and target selection alone.
And if you can become even slightly deadly in such a “basic” ship, think of what happens when the “sexy skills” are done and you can fly sexy stuff.
You don’t need to “fly the best” to “be the best.” You just need a good idea on what you can and cannot do and work around it.