You're probably right Geoschmo. . . players would probably gang up on me, *if* they catch it happening soon enough. That depends on who's communicating with whom, of course. . . and whether or not the blame for the solar eruption is pinned on *me*
After all, if I start with this in systems that are being conflicted by other parties, for example, or other people's border zones. . . it'll just seem like WWIII started, and maybe everybody will get in the mood.
If I don't have the resources and economy for a protacted war at midgame(and I haven't found a convenient way to "rush" this tech without being painfully vulnerable otherwise), then I deserved to lose anyhow, as at that point(from what I've been able to gather about PBW games anyhow) the AIs are usually all toast and it's up to the players as to who gets the axe first.
Of course, if I can find an ally to watch my back. . . then kitty bar the door, as thus far this has proven a rather radical monkey-wrench. I'm not sure this means that I'm a "bad" guy. . . just efficient. The game is, after all, essentially about accounting(optimization) and relationships with other players adds another random factor to the mix.