I always try to play with Natural Merchants on it takes one thing off my mind
I always use Crystal Tech just love those Shard Cannons

(It takes all sorts eh?)
I have my Ship attack and Defence Ramped up to 110% to 120% and Trade and Enviromental uses up the remaining points to get more money and Tolerance up
Organic Enemies are the only people I have a problem with if im not using Shard Cannons
Temporal Tech....well if you like it use it im not a beliver myself
Religious Tech is good for people who like systems being REALLY beefed up and Strong, although the Crystalline buildings like the Lens and plant which reduce the Maintence cost for Defencive Fleets are a god send!
my penneth
"T"