Re: Not a newbie question
 

You may be better off with a Replicant Center, assuming you spend the resources on getting Organic technology to start the game with. As your population increases so do the bonuses, and they can add up pretty quickly.

Re: Not a newbie question
 

Imp. Fyron: You also need to take into account the resources not being obtained by a resource generating facility (e.g., mineral mine) during the time it takes to build a VIP. And the cost in resources of the VIP. So they are less valuable than you have calculated. I haven't done the math, but I suspect it will take 6 years to break even, not 5. That's 60 turns! I think you'd be better off colonizing moons, if they are available. (BTW, all those cruddy tiny planets/moons are great for making units. They will be especially great in SEIVG for making drones.)

Re: Not a newbie question
 

Climate Control is great for building up a planet's population, but is it worth it? Again, I am admitting my ignorance of math (I do have an MA in Law though...), but has anyone done the hard numbers on Climate Control. Sure, your population will grow faster and get you a higher production rate, but is it fast enough to justify the start up cost and the loss of production from some other facility not being built?

I am guessing that it is more valuable on large and huge planets and that it you either build it first, or don't bother at all.