maybe this will work
take a constructor and put it in a fleet of fighters, then attack another race, as the fighters take the hits the constructor will gain in exp. ponits and levels, when you get the constructor at a level you would like. build a starbase. the starbase i build had a level of 104/ hit points 475. you can also do the same for a base/hull you want to build up. a base/hull with no weapons or defence will level up faster than a improve hull will.
thus the Question??? EXPLOIT OR CHEAT ???