Well, basically, in FS2 the Psamtik is just another destroyer, and you have the Colossus to counter the Sathanas. And yes, it is Vasudan, and no-one gives a crap about Vasudans dying. Its like caring when random Vulcans die in a Star Trek episode.
In FS1, you also have no counter to the Lucifer, so even a single destroyer getting blown up is a big deal because you can't just build another one, not with the Lucifer razing entire worlds from orbit. Also, you were onboard the Galatea from the minute you started the campaign, so it was "home" to Alpha 1. And having your home blown up by a pair of Shivan Super Lasers is a big deal.