New players come in, scan, colonise the first planet (although it is sparse) and then build tons of defences. The worst part? The planet gets an aegis shield. Perhaps the Planetary aegis should only be introduced once they are rank 20 and are told of it's rarity. OR, let players choose between several smaller value artifacts or aegis.

no, if they really really want to use that artifact let them.

They have absolutely no idea what it is. Not everyone who starts knows that anyway.

well when i started i read that it creates a invulnerable shield around a planet. i don't know about you, but I saved mine for a moment i knew i had to use it or lose a planet. if the tutorial says that artifact is rare or newbie only, and that 1-19 have invade immunity, then this shouldn't be an issue.

Not sure, but all those under rank 20 I meet are not aware of the 1-19 rank immunity, nor do they understand what an aegis does.