[Taera]

Thought i might add my opinion of the topic.
First of all when you play with finite resources the Religious tech finaly comes in handy. Not only you get Value&ConditionImprovementPlant for each planet by single facility, but also you get those handy bonuses to defend those planets.

Now another thing. The Finite Resources just might be fun.. never played it, but thought about it. But the AI wont make it.

But here is an idea, a challenge if you like.
All the modders out there. Its the right time to design a MOD for this.
Nothing too serious. the most of what is requied is a new minister style. We have the Neutral, Defensive and Aggressive. What we need is FRNeutral, FRDefensive and FRAgressive (FR is Finite Resources) that will make the AI:
a. Research Value Improvement Plants ASAP
b. Build them on every resource planet
c. IF IT IS POSSIBLE, put in some mining ships

Religious races will finaly get their edge over the other races.

As for the mod, it might include some races with more personalized AI, and perharps a new layout.