I just got the game a couple days ago (sue me, I'm behind the power curve) and read a bunch about it here and on the wiki, but there's still some stuff I'm fuzzy on:
-What's the best way to build each type of planet and how do you know which to focus on? (eco, inf, manu) (if you could, give an example for a class 5, 10 and 20)
-Planetary defense strategies? Locations for putting starbases, fleets, etc.
-Is it better to group like planets for specialization? i.e. make all planets in this system trade based and drop an economy starbase.
-Is there any way to set fleets to patrol? If not, can we convince them to give us the option?
-Can starbases ever move? I'd really like to consolidate my resource bases instead of having them on the ass end of nowhere.
-What are effective strategies for scouting during the colony rush? (auto-explore obviously isn't, since they all take the same path)
-I suck at planning ahead for building, fortification, etc. Any advice?
-Any other tips?
-Can you ever terraform the blank squares or colonize a class 0? If not, I think that'd be a nifty thing to add high up on the tech tree. Make it a slow process, but it'd still be cool and allow for greater expansion and growth. (although if the AI got it, they might become unstoppable)