[JenMax]

I feel your pain. I expected, based upon playing a number of other computer games, that all start up would not be equal. I am in 5 or 6 games. In two, I have absolutely terrible positions, ranking 18, and 19, etc. In some others, im in the middle, and one I'm actually near the top. No matter my position, I will play to the end because I would want others to do so if roles were reversed. Take the good ones with the bad ones. I guess thats along way of saying, get into several games. One will be good for you, the rest, you give the other players a challenge. BTW, about your colony ships, may I suggest: arming you colony ships, or putting armor on them. AND, build one ship with lots of supply storage, and use it to acompany (in same fleet) your colony ships on the first portion of their journey, and so extend their range.