And the manual isn't much help either.
It tells you the basics, real, real basics. Whack broken stuff, get on helm to pilot, and tool descriptions.
Ship layouts, gun arcs, arming time, projectile drops, proper application of chem, and other things are not in manual. Some of these need to be unlocked, some of these just need to be taught or experienced.
As a big game nerd, I've read through all the manuals. I won most novice matches, but it took digging through the forum to learn how to effectively use piloting tools and etc.