I notice on the wiki/guide that Tier 6 starships all have Lvl50 and Lvl60 hull stats (some even have Lvl40)--does this mean that these ships "level" with you, or do you have to update them manually somehow?
At least that would explain the clear difference between level 50 and 60. Not so sure about level 40, that's probably for the event, lobi and lock box ships which can usually be used at that level.
Scaling is a separate issue unrelated to Starship Mastery.
You will notice five levels of Mastery between Tier 5 and Tier 6. As you earn EXP while in that ship, the ship earns EXP toward Mastery, which offers various bonuses at each level, culminating in a Starship Mastery Trait unlock at Level 5, (which is when your ship is promoted to T6.)
Scaling, on the other hand, (using a Level 50 captain in a group of Level 30s, for example,) happens to all ships and depends on issues quite outside the Mastery system.
Answers
Like if you play fleet alert, you will be scaled to level 50 and your hull points will be adapted accordingly.
I think the ships will just level with you.
I'm flying the Chimera, right now, and it's 5-U hull is equal to the Lvl50 Manticore--but then the Manticore skyrockets at Lvl60.
You will notice five levels of Mastery between Tier 5 and Tier 6. As you earn EXP while in that ship, the ship earns EXP toward Mastery, which offers various bonuses at each level, culminating in a Starship Mastery Trait unlock at Level 5, (which is when your ship is promoted to T6.)
Scaling, on the other hand, (using a Level 50 captain in a group of Level 30s, for example,) happens to all ships and depends on issues quite outside the Mastery system.