Wow, thanks for all the advice, I'll certainly apply it!

It does seem that this game gives you the time to actually evolve a civilization before you find yourself engaged in warfare.
Makes sense, Mumblefratz, I'll try that out!
I do have one more question though. I can keep evolving a civilization and yet the sip sizes never seem to increase. Lately I've resorted to upgrading frighters to war vessels.

Is there another way around this, or is it because it takes more time to reach that technology?
I like this game too! I know a lot of people are saying that it beats MOO3, but I dunno, I think MOO3 wasn't as bad as people said. It just needed a little more to do, but I liked the music and the look of the alien races better than GC2. I do like that there is more freedom though.