The Federation is a functioning state that must defend borders and fight opposing fleets, unlike a rebel force conducting occasional raids. A fighter that expends its photon torpedoes or is damaged and then must leave may miss the rest of the engagement. The comparison is with Renaissance cavalry that breaks away to plunder baggage trains instead of remaining available to influence the battle. Its first charge may be devastating, but an opponent that outlasts it gains the advantage once the fighters have departed.
Chapter · 1:11-2:48
Fighters in a Federation fleet battle
The Federation's need to defend borders and fight opposing fleets changes what its fighters must do: remain useful throughout a battle rather than make one dramatic attack.