I haven't played yet with more than 2 ships a person. Yesterday played with a sloop each. Unless I am introducing someone to the game I play with advanced rules, and along with that many of the optional rules are used as well. After having some battles and getting used to the additional rules, I don't think it would be too difficult to add additional ships. That being said I also run 3-4 planes in wings of glory and that is fine as well. Ideal number of ships per person? I don't think there is such a thing. It all depends on the sizes of ships and such. I still think three sloops vs a single frigate would be interesting. So it all depends on the situation.