I decided to post my favorite ideas/suggestions here for all to view and comment on.

1. PLANETARY SHIELDS:

Planetary shield generators should be part of the unseen planet infrastructure instead of being orbital facilities.

Planetary Shield Generators should be part of the current Civic Development System (accessible through research, of course). Asteroids can only develop up to Shield level 1, standard planets develop up to shield level 2 and capital planets develop up to level 3 (or if you prefer, ice/volcano planets level 2 and all Terran planets level 3).

2. MINIMIZING EARLY COLONY RUSHES:

I like the idea of colony ships being totally used up when ever they colonize a new planet. So for each new planet, you will need a new colony ship.

The colony ship's top speed and jump prep time should be relatively low so it can't outrun pirates or other enemies. It is a pieced together, temporary ship designed for carrying settlers and their equipment. It only makes sense that this ship be slow, poorly armed and armored.

Also, to minimize the colony rush, the colony ship could take a few moments while it disassembles itself in orbit around the target planet in preparation for colonization. During this process, have the colony ship lose movement, shields and reduce its hit points by 3/4 so enemies can more easily prevent any successful colonization.

3. DESTROYING 0% BUILT STRUCTURES:

Some people have complained that their 0% built structures are too vulnerable while being build in a war zone. My response is that they should be.

I like the idea that it can be destroyed before being completed. When you queu the build order, the initial building materials are assembled at the designated location. That is what is being destroyed when it is attacked before construction can begin.

Of course, I don't agree you should lose 100% of the cost when it gets destroyed. Maybe 10% or so would be more realistic.

4. SYSTEM LORDS (Suggestion made by Matthewfarmery)

When a player owns an entire star system, they should get a culture bonus rating throughout the entire system.

I also liked the idea that the player gets a special System Lord Icon beside their name for the other players to see (weee, look at my gold star everyone). This would especially please fans of Stargate.

5. LOGISTICAL SLOTS

Logistical Slots should be combined with Tactical Slots. Both Logistical and Tactical structures are in orbit and both would have similar type support requirements, why wouldn't they share the same orbital position slots?

This would also alleviate the complaints that there aren't enough Logistical slots.