I just built one of those ring worlds. Almost sent my empire into bankruptcy. Those are quite amazing. Just researched the sphereworld. I don't think I can afford it without scrapping my fleet.
I've got another ship going around making planets out of asteroids. By this time late in the game it's kind of redundant but those new planets are loaded with minerals.
By this time I've conquered half the large galaxy and the end is a foregone conclusion but it's fun experimenting with some of these expensive exotic weapons and things like the ringworld.
I've also learned from the AI to make light cruisers as my mainstay. Drednaughts cost to much to keep large fleets and the smaller numbers can't control large numbers of small ships. Now I'll put a CA or BC in charge of a horde of CLs,DDs,and frigates,backed up by an occasional baseship or special repair ship.
Intelligence is working pretty good except I'm confused about the 3 different levels. Do I need to "research" all three levels all the time?
Thanks!