[bearclaw]

Some ministers will help but I don't use them. Here are some things that might help

1)build a series of transports. One in each system is what I do. Then set them to load fighters from where they are being built and drop them on a planet with lots of cargo space in the next system. Put the transport on Repeat Orders. This will create automatic supply lines for your fighters (or any other unit for that matter). As your front moves ahead, all you need to do is build another transport. I use small transports because they typically won't need a huge amount of space.

2) Build a series of supply/repair ships using the largest hull size you've got. If you have the Quantum Reactor then you can dedicate the rest of the space to repair/SY's. It doesn't have to be very fast as you will want it to stay behind your front line ships anyway. Again, as your front moves ahead, you can then move your supply/repair ship ahead as needed. If you don't have Quantum Reactors, then you'll need to load it up with Solar Panels. If you use a Large Transport or Baseship hull, you should even have enough space for lots of cargo which will make the ship (or ships) mobile reloading points for your fighters and carriers as well.

3)be sure to use fleets. Keeps the ship numbers easier to handle. (also, a resupply ship will supply others only if they are fleeted together)

4)As for the number of planets, you could put those on ministers but I don't. By late game, most of your smaller planets should probably be fully developed and too far from the front to be of much concern anyway. (by the way, if you think 70 is a lot of planets try 300+)

5) to speed up the time it takes to get your ships to the front, research Stellar Manipulation and create your own warp points. Just be careful not to leave an opening for your enemies.

Hope that helps.