As I've been doing most of the clarifying to this point, no reason for me to stop now...
The middle map Nebula hexes are to chaotic to be traversed in anything heavier then a CL. CA's and up must use the "safe" path consisting
of the black hole hexes.
I do not see anything else in this rule that changes the conditions. The nebula hexes in the center of the map are "too chaotic" for any CAs, BCHs, NCAs, DNs, etc. to be in. It doesn't matter if it's a neutral hex, Fed hex, Imperial hex, Mirak hex, Hydran hex, Hexx hex, whatever. If it's a nebula in the center path, it's got restrictions on it...
Nebulas NOT in the center span can be safely entered by any ship.
Like this says, any nebula not part of the center of the map is fair game for every ship on the table. Patrols, strikers, etc. can be any size in all these other nebulas.
Watch out for those annoying AI markers, the server kit hasn't been appraised of these rules and it will put CLs, DNs, CVs etc. in the center...
Too bad we can't put a "all trespassers will be shot" sign up...