AK-47 for me. Just on the fun factor of shooting the thing. Low maintenance and idiot proofing is good, too. Maybe not the best rifle, but dang, the fun factor just gets me.
Hajj Dragon
Has anyone else noticed that it seems to be that when YOU find a Ranger, it is the old, minor one, but when the AI finds one, it is the new, nasty one?
Actually, the only reason I actually use Terror Stars is to create new asteroid fields for mining. I have even taken to calling them Mining Stations...
May I heartily second the opinion on minor races and espionage. Especially since the foreign relations screen still says you should spy on them... And I admit to really liking the second suggestion as well...
More importantly, it is the fact that a good chunk of technology that we take for granted today, was originally conceptualized in the realm of science fiction. Automatic doors at the supermarket, anyone? I have come to the conclusion that if we can imagine it in the realm of science fiction, we will some day be able to do it...