Does the GP from ships counts when the game calculates the total for GAC?

The only place the total GP is used is to calculate divisions, and yes that includes ships. This is done to reward a wide roster and ship development, even through it doesnt help you in GAC.

Oh cool to know mate, thank you!
So how much teams must be set on defense after 2.49mil gp?

2.49 mill is top end of Div. 5 which means deploying 5 squads. Go over that and you are in Div. 4 which I believe deploys 6 squads.

As Kyno said, its only used for Division placement.

The actual 8 people in the matches you face is only based on the GP of your highest 80 characters w/o any Ships or remaining characters in that total.

I hope they bring back ships in GAC cuz you know, I destroy everyone ?

"ZapkaZapZap;c-1931421" wrote:
I have been focusing on ships for some time, and I can end up rank #1 in ships. But my character teams have suffered, and I’m not close to Raven or Dark Raven. I have also starred up, leveled up, and geared up most characters for Territory Battles. Now I feel like I am punished in GAC for my reliance on ships.

Your problem isn't your ship GP, it's all those Hoth TB toons and your lack of Revans.