[Taera]

I also prefer crystallurgy in my games.
I don't see it as an early game trait - it requires a strong base to use on. What i mean is, i usually research crystallurgy up to lvl 5 and push on colonization, research and other useful weapons (APB/Torpedo was my Last combo).
WHen i have a good base (not those orbiting things) i research up to level 9-10 ASAP.
Those high-end crystallurgy weapons seem to me to be some of the best in this game.

Crystallurgy maintenance reduction facility is a real gift, especially given i tend to like remote mining. Other facilities dont seem as important to me. And yes, crystalline armor makes the best Heavy ships.

(battleship and higher.... put like 12 of these and unless your enemy uses something REAL powerful in huge quantities, in which case you'll win anyway as your weaponry would be superior, or is crystalline too, you're almost invincible to damage... dont forget than even when ID fires there ALWAYS would be shields... unless they were shut down before by the shield distruptor, which costs $$$)