Right after posting i started again, and i eventually managed to complete my very first sector, doing all locations without a loss. I did with one sniper and two novices. Now my team is better equipped, so it may survive the next sector too. May.
However it's a bit frustrating to see slavers and traders, but having only nothing to spend. I've found in total 10 credits, in one box... Too little. Maybe give money after each missions, whatever the result ? At least "some", maybe random between 5 and 15, so every 3-5 missions i could afford a novice recruit.
Also let me sell stuff to traders, if i don't want a loot, so i can make some money, or even trade for fuel or whatever. It has the side effect of making the world more alive.