Of course when it comes to damage I think most people would spend the Focus to avoid the face-up card but I guess that knowing the card could easily change the math on that.

Depends a great deal on the ship in question. A number of them are able and willing to soak a damage or two if it means killing an enemy ship this turn.

Any of the YT's the Shuttle, even a B-Wing or a a X-Wing with regen for example.