I do not agree.
Capital shipyard, crystal mine and scouts should be the first things you build (you will run out of crystal before you run out of metal).
Then metal mines, light frigates and THEN research stations.
Researching metal technology that early is a waste too. Your overall income is still very small and the increase wont be noticeable. The research costs are better spent elsewhere (Not saying the tech is bad, just that THIS early is too early).
Also dont wait for 6-10 light frigates. A capital alone can clear an asteroid in very short time.
Light frigates are also surprisingly expensive. If you clear 2-3 planets with only 4 light frigates instead of ten you can spend the saved resources on researching LRM (long range frigates, as TEC you need two, as vasari 1 military lab, advent need three, so it might not pay of with them to go for early LRMs).
LRMs are not only a bit cheaper, but are also the direct counter to light frigates. If you have 6 LRMs vs the enemies 10 light frigates you will win an early engagement.
For clearing Planets:
-Send in your cap first and alone so the enemies focus fire on it, then your other ships. Target LRMs first because they will go for your light frigates and kill them. All other ships will continue firing on your cap ship.
-Be generous with your antimatter. It quickly replenishes and you lose 100 for every jump anyway.
Best tip: watch replays of players that completely steamrolled you.
Wrote it in German there too.
