question about the culture-thing

[zyathus]

Hi,

i got a question about this culture/racial-point thing. As far as I see, selecting a special type a of culture is like is like spending racial-points. So e.g. if i select scientist (which is +5 on research), is it like spending +5% in the racial-points-menu?
If yes, which culture is best to choose?
I noticed, that artisans have +10 on happiness, so is it better choosing artisan, then decrease the happiness in the racial points menu an spend the now extra gained racial-points for e.g. intelligence? Since artisans have 10 extra points, it seems a little unfair, while scientists have only 5 extrapoints.

Another question is, what is meant by the extra points on space-combat (e.g. warriors)? Is it defense and attack?

sincerly
daniel