[Arkcon]

Intel against the AI is not as tough as it first seems. You just have to research intel early so you can build intel facilities on good planets. I wish it were available at the start.

Good planets meaning large or huge, maybe medium. Breathable. Good conditions (or move people to get the bonus) Just so long as you don't have to waste mineral rich worlds -- although sometimes I have to for the short term.

What you're probably doing is using those planets for research facilities to get tech faster. When intel is active, you have to try to strike a balance in that regard.

Then, crew insurrect a choice ship and steal the technology.