Ok, Let me talk about Sins, SoSE that is.  I have all the GalCiv titles and I have all the SoSE stuff (sigh over needing to use Steam for Rebellion).  I absolutely love GalCiv, always have. I love the TBS aspect of it and all the detail etc.

Since SoSE came out I have really tried to figure the game out.  I simply suck at it to be honest, event as the simpliest level.  I dont know if I move to slow or simply do not do basic things that I should be doing but whatever it is I get my butt handed to me and I dont even bother finishing a game.  I certainly do not think there is anything wrong with the game as it get great reviews and has a following.  I try for awhile, get frustrated and stop for months.  Then come back and try again. I have tried finding a good tutorial or walkthough and have not found a good one.

Anyway, I keep buying upgrades and new versions of it because I am a sucker for space strategy games (apparently TBS is my thing) and I like Stardock and Stardock related stuff.

Strange place for this post but, if you read this it may help. If you aren't expanding quickly early on you will fall. Its allways a good idea to invest in the economy. Late game often is won by whoever can replace losses the fastest in an even matchup. You need to up fleet supply. Don't forget to upgrade planet development. Small less valuable planets are sometimes worth taking first as they are less defended. Don't spend all your early game money on research.