Khift

In single player my games tend to turn into turtles. I first scout and identify the 'turtle point' at the map at which there is no passage from one side or the other except through it or through the pirates, rush aggressively to acquire it, typically fight it out with the AI to acquire it, starbase it and completely fortify it, backfill the other colonies, and then develop my economy until it dwarfs the AI's. Once I've attained a massive economic advantage I build up my fleet and then finish

...did the OP actually suggest installing colony pods? How long are you planning on playing, OP? Doesn't it take an hour for colony pods to pay for themselves? I'm sure the OP has plenty of experience with the game and really means well, but I have a hard time taking advice from someone suggesting the use of colony pods.