Where to Start

Each expansion adds new aspects to the game and tightens the screws on the difficulty. Personally, I would start with Dread Lords and go to Dark Avatar once I felt I had a good handle on the game. I think TA has the most departure with unique tech trees for each race. It actually took me quite a while to master one tech tree, let alone a number of them.

I'd recommend starting with Dark Avatar, because there was a change in the ship combat system between DL and DA, and that same system is being carried forward into the new TA expansion. DA is very stable, while Twilight is still changing in difficulty and balance as every patch is released, and there are still a few buglets (like invisible constructors) that could prove frustrating while you're learning the game.

If you start with DA now, you'll be able to move smoothly into Twilight when it's finished (which should be soon). In Twilight you can start as the Terrans, which are the most like the stock tech tree all the races get in DA. Then tackle the more exotic tech trees when you're ready for a change.

Thanks guys! Compromise. I'll loosen my fingers on the DL tutorial. Then Tutorial and play DA.

Sabaticus