Ok folks you know the drill, pretty obvious thread here..
With all the new features in DA Ive had to revamp my game strategy, specifically the colony rush phase. I know it just barely came out and those that didnt beta test it are probably still figuring out their new strategy, but maybe they can get some hints from here? Basically I wanted to get some input on what everyone else is doing to adapt to the new game. Perhaps Ill steal a few ideas? ::rubs hands mischieviously::

In a nut shell, I start off exactly the same; max out research spending while still in the green to get atleast Ion propulsion(maybe impulse depending on placement). Upgrade my core ships to faster units all the while searching out nearby star systems getting a feel for 'habitable' planets in my sphere of reach. I usually pick a section of the galaxy in my immediate area that Im shooting for as my territory. (ie..get all the planets in that section before anyone else does..but still in a manageable size) All the while researching translator, weapons and maybe diplomacy and trade. If that area has a unusual number of planets that dont need a special tech, ill switch my spending to max military to pump out the colony ships. If not, then i stay with the high research and start going after the planetary techs with the most abundant planet of that type first.
It seems that right around this time that Im starting to run myself thin, with all 9 civs set to Bright on a gigantic map, atleast 2 are close enough to give me a run for my money so to speak in grabbing those planets. Ill try and keep an eye on what planet techs they have before me so i can beat them to that planet first and trade whatever i have to with someone else to get that tech.
Needless to say, focussing on researching the planet techs puts me behind militarily so that by the time I manage to get the planets I want Ive got some hostile civ banging on my front door.

So, theres the gist of it..feel free to leave me some tips on what im doing wrong OR leave your own strategy for others to view.