I loaded the new beta yesterday. This is the first version that has played without crashing for me. It already has that one more turn feel to it. I noticed that if I go back to the main menu from the game and start again, the first time everything is fine but froze the second time everytime.
I realize it is early but I had a sore throat lastnight and was having trouble sleeping so as I had just played a long game, I was thinking about it.
With the limited planet tiles to build on it would be nice to convert colonists to specialists, to further allow you to use specific planets for different goals. Maybe only after certain buildings are built. Farmer, banker/tax collector, researcher, etc.
It would be cool to have different types of farms. Basic grain type farm that maximizes food production, orchards that provide food but also a moderate trade increase, vineyard that has minimal food increase and more trade increase and maybe a boost to moral. It would add more strategy to the game.
A Carrier class ship would be cool. I think it would be useful as a support ship. When stacked with another ship it gives an attack and defense bonus. When stacked with transport ship it would be cool if it gave another option on the attack screen. A selective bombardment that targets stategic targets, reducing damage to planet. Close Space/Air support is always nice!
Some or all of this has probably been covered before, but I thought I would add my 2 cents.
Thanks,
.JG.