I find no discouragement of strategy in the game. Higher numbers don't always win, unless they're sufficiently high enough. I can design a fleet with weapon and armor/shield focuses to counter theirs, as well as choosing the engagement style (via the combat computer modes in the ship designer) to counter theirs.

If I don't want to strategize I can simply wait longer for a bigger fleet and newer tech, but if I want to take on enemies larger than me, especially early game, I have to take the time to strategize.