If you choose the Evil alignment, you can build the Mind Control Centre. In ToA, the MCC makes sure that the planets that are about to flip actually flip quite fast. It totally works, if that's what you want 
Otherwise, there is no guarantee when the planet will flip. I had a Krynn planet with 15.8 influence ratio, and it didn't flip for nearly 25 turns. I just conquered it in the end 
And no, it didn't have special structures to prevent flipping.
Another tip, don't try to split the difference when building an influence base.
I don't understand as to what exactly are you saying - can you elaborate?