[rdouglass]

Raynor, yes it does require a big investment in intel facilities. However, there are many areas that I don't have to research BECAUSE of my intel strategies. For instance, I never research propulsion 'cause I Crew Insurrect an AI ship, get it to a "mobile" Ship Yard (or get the SY to it) and analyse the ship. That gives me the techs (alas in 1 tech level increments). Same goes for Colony techs, etc. I usually just research my racial techs (usually organic - I LOVE the Enveloping Acid Globules), Shields, Stellar Manip, Intel, Ship Construction, Point defense, and Stellar Harnessing. Everything else I steal. Sure does reduce the amount of research facilities I need.

As to the PPP thing, when I'm cranking out intel points, I try to PPP 1 planet every other turn, 1 ship to Crew Insurrection per turn, and the rest to various Counter Intel. Crew Insurrect seems to work every time while as PPP works about 75% of the time.

I also play huge galaxy, low tech games so it gives me a few turns to get my intel act together before I encounter another AI. The only downfall is if I meet an AI early. Then I have to do some scrambling - usually resort to mines or missles - and go heavy on the defense.

Yes, it does definitely put a cool twist on the game. IMO that (Intel) is a HUGE improvement over SE3. You should try that strategy once and see how you like it.

Man, I wish I had MORE TIME to play....