I've been reading the forums with much relish and the information I have obtained are priceless. I am currently playing Terran, using both advanced algorithm and Tough mode. Large galaxy and about 5 opponents. The first few tries were embarassingly short to say the least. On my latest game, I have concentrated on diplomacy and trade. What I can't research I buy from other races or trade them. I instigated war between other races. I fawned at the feet of mightier races to prevent them from attacking me. It's the mid game (or at least I think it is). My rank is the lowest of all the races as of this moment. All my stats are pathetically low. But I've successfully brought down 1 high ranking major race by instigating war. All in all, I'm not sure whether I'm doing this right or is it that I survived merely on fluke. Should I pay attention to the graphs and stats in the middle of the screen or am I doing it right so far? All my graphs sucks big time but what little military might I have is sufficient to repel my immediate neighbour's superior force. I'm like the underdog that's trying to increase my capacity but don't know how to do so.