How do you get good in freelancer?

I've played freelancer for over 20 hours now and reached the third campaign for the first time.

I had to force close 2 times to restart or otherwise I wouldn't have made it. I'm not sure if other people do this too or if it is frowned upon, but I was getting tired of losing my cash and gear every time I screw up.

How do I get better in this game mode? Or is it part of the gameplay to constantly lose all your mercs and gear, apart from the large guard guns that you normally don't bring.