The game that Armada reminds me most of is Empires at War. In that game you could build as many ships as you like, but when it came time for battle you could only field a portion of your fleet. All your other ships would be held in reserve, and could only be brought out as your first wave of ships was destroyed.
Imagine in Armada... 1200 point game... can only put 400 points worth of ships and fighters at any one time. If a ship is lost, you can bring in an equal number of points of new ships. You can only use each model once.
I know right now its a bit early, but down the line past wave 3 or 4 there will be a point where older ships will see less use. This would help them see action.
I also think it would an additional tactical depth to the game, as you have to decide which ships to deploy at what point in the battle. If they ever put out an Interdictor, it could be used to determine where on the board reinforcements could be deployed.
Could be fun.
Edited by admiralcrunch