[Gozra]

I have been playing people that are better than me and from the school of crumbling empires I have found a few nuggets of wisdom for SEIV.

1 Have the ablity to make a colony ship every turn.
2 If it has an orbit colonize it.
3 Fighters/carriers in the early stages of the game are indespensible.
4 He who cloaks first can have a big advantage.
5 cheap mines early in the game drastically ensures survival.
6 never stop expanding.
7 Get your population levels up and sent out to your colonies as quickly as possible. (production bonuses for population level is a big factor)
8 2 dozen 'Just as good ships' are better than 6 High quality well designed well trained ships.
9 no Idea is too dumb to try. (usally)
10 tech that increases production is a good choice in every situation. (notice I did not say best choice)
11 Have fun