You are supposed to earn more credits for how well you perform. If you aren't good, then play more to improve. It's a game, what do you expect?
Those arguing FOR friendlies, let me ask you this:
Have you ever played a game that literally had an option to earn the same amount of credits, as somebody else, but doing absolutely NOTHING while other people work to earn them? That's basically what it is. I understand it's more convenient, especially with how busy all of us are with our lives. The thing is, friendlies are extremely flawed. I have only found two games of battle today, and I played all night after work. That's saying something.
People would rather take the easy way out, and let someone else run the flag for them, in friendly, while they sit and do nothing to contribute to those points other than just showing up. It's lazy. I'm guilty of playing friendly as well, trust me. When I get off work late, and I'm tired-seeing an open friendly slot (and generally no battle slots available), I of course will take the easy way out. I figure heck, I can get some chores done while sit in friendlies in the background and literally earn FREE credits
I see both points of view. On one hand, I can see it being more convenient for people who have busier schedules, and simply don't have time to play battle after battle.
On the other hand, it DOES hurt the competitive energy for pirates. It's sad that people would rather just earn credits the easy way, rather than earning credits based on how well they did. I just feel it's personally more rewarding to earn them by improvement in your performance.
I suggest possibly separating them into two separate lobby's. One for friendly, and one for battle. Maybe even limiting the amount of credits earned for Capture the Flag.