They do get more resources at harder levels (cheat). I have though gotten two caps in less than 10 min, but htat was in a mod. Generally I can pull one within 20 min though, you just have to stay focused on what you want and only build and research what will get you there fastest.
1. build your first cap, its free, do not repeat do not pay for training.
2. build one research station, (perferably civilian)
3. research only the next cap crew level
4. use black market to get your resources
Extra. if built civilian research station then research all tier one economic techs (civiilian upgrades and resource upgrades)
!Warning! Warning!
do not repeat do not try this against a human opponent, your eco will not recover in time
