Newbie Questions. For the love of GOD: help me. *whimper*

[Nitram Draw]

I don't know all the answers but check the scenario/mod archive section for a list of the tech tree. There is an excel sheet someone made a while back that lists all hat stuff.
To get rid of old weapons platform click on the planet then look for the jettison button on the top toolbar, I think it has red arrows and a box on it. Click and choose what you want to get rid of.
Don't bother trying to figure out why your allies are murderous and your enemies brotherly. The diplomacy model is a little screwy. Just try to stay at peace with the ones you want. Don't get to far ahead or they will all gang up on you.