sand [and the stuff of creation]

Hi;

I'm relatively new to this list, just been lurking up until now.

In following the discussion on Sand Clouds I have not seen something mentioned
so far. If it has been, my appologies.

I've always assumed that space craft are going to have to have some form of
inherant defense against the debris that fills the space between planets, star
systems, etc. This material will vary in size from microscopic to
"asteroid-sized".  While asteroids are treated as bodies that can impact
play, what about all of the smaller stuff?

Sand Clouds may be denser, but their velocity, individual particle size and
the like would surely be less than some of the interstellar flotsam and
jetsam.

In other words, are Sand Cloud-like weapons a moot-point because the
rigors/dangers of regular space travel require a method of dealing with
them in a natural setting?

Thanks for listening