During trinity their was an equal number of people willing to teach and people who wouldn't play with anyone without a record because of smurfing sadly. There was also a fair number of less then decent people like any other community. In general people do tend to be awesome and helpful though. Plus in Rebellion it's only going to get better.

"Thus far, I'm able to pretty much manhandle the AI on unfair and don't really sweat too much when playing on vicious. Is there any determining point while playing single player where you'd say I'm ready to start multiplayer?"

That is more then what I started with.
Multiplayer doesn't have a ranked or score system. All online games are really just custom games. Therefore, it really depends on what kind of game the host is making. You can find Noob games, people just messing around, 5v5 to 1v1 hardcore games, Computer stomping etc. Just remember most people like to play with certain settings to speed up games. Faster speeds,Quick start, and most people avoid pirates.

I have already noticed an increase in new players in Rebellion who have never even touched Sins before; so yes there are.  I don't think there is any given "Teaching games", but people will generally help you when playing with them. I would and I met a good number of them when I first started

I suggest you host a game and add into the title what you want. "New player game", "Learning", etc.

That is the best I got.

Hope you stay and enjoy Sins. 

Word of warning, RiddleKing is a known troll. An amusing one, but still a troll.

Thanks for both the informative and amusing reponses. I guess I have no choice but to jump in and hope I don't suck too hard.

One thing you can do is to watch replays of the games  you've played in and study the good players.  Try to understand what they're doing and why.  Pay attention to things like ship movement and positioning.

these replays?

https://forums.sinsofasolarempire.com/421681