Alpha 0.7.1 is now live.
Early game defense threats are easier to deal with in this version than Alpha 0.7. That being said, I still don't like this combat system as it makes it almost impossible to use Combat points against Crises; only 2 to 5 Combat points can be used against a Crisis per turn depending on selected weapon upgrades and whether or not the Subversion Crisis is in effect. In later stages of the game, Combat points get converted into extra Laser Charges before I have a chance to divert them into Crisis resolution.
Come to think of it, similar restrictions exist with trying to use Science and Exploration points against Crises, as well, but Combat has become even more restrictive in this regard than Science and Exploration. I do not believe that this restriction should exist for any of these systems. When planets are played, would it be possible to hold the harvested points until the player has a chance to send some of those points directly to Crises?