Falconhurst

I tried the +70% pop growth trait, and found that it did not seem to be very helpful to me. My population quickly grew to the max on each world and, after quickly reaching the max, the trait offered no lasting or long-term benefit. I have found traits that offer long-term bonuses -- economy, research, etc. - more helpful with subsequent custom civs, with only a slight population bonus. Nonetheless, I'm a newbie and there may be better ways to capitalize on pop growth.

What bonuses do you typically give to a custom race? I have been putting points into economics (+30%), planet quality (+10% for 3 pts), pop growth (+10% for 1 pt), +10 morale, +10 social production. But I am a newbie and don't know what is best. I do tend to prefer approaches that offer good economy and/or research. What do you prefer for your custom race and why? For parties, I have always gone federalist. The party with the tech bonus also looks attractive as comparable t