These are my stats. See what I mean about burning energy? I did a massive scan blitz recently and found over 100 planets and used a 2000-3000 energy. It's hard going towards then end when sometimes I'd do ten scans without finding a planet. It means I lost a over a day's worth of energy but I found some decent planets. My general rule is nothing below rich large or extremely abundant very massive.

Battles 71717 (Grand Legend)
Player Kills 404
Deaths from Players 151
Non-Player Kills 8943
Planets Found 493
Planets Occupied 77
Planets Captured 43
Missions Completed 435
Scans Performed 2392
Successful Hacks 277
Successful Raids 233

oh. And the only real money I've spent is to get FATHER relays. Galaxy legion is the first game I've ever paid to get a virtual product from and I've been playing browser games for a couple of years.

They're pretty useful upgrades but more importantly I've got a lot of pleasure out of the time I spend playing galaxy legion. It's also an independent game with really good player-designer communication and response. This ain't no corporate Zynga game designed by people who don't play the games. It's great to see a game which has grown organically from game designers and the gamers themselves.

The relays cost me about what a pint costs in the UK. I bought them a month or two ago. For well over 250 levels I didn't spend any real money. It's another thing i like about this game. You don't need to spend money.

thanks for the tips, and also, who the hell voted in between for the poll??!!!!!!!

Someone in a even worse situation than you.

dang, I actually feel REALLY bad for them because I suck crap!!!!

just started subspace scanners in research, and spatial thrusters. research production is up to 700 per hour, mining is 699, and artifact is 411.

here is my new research tree!

Still need just about everything except energy and base...
Getting better though.
You should be able to do most of the research in 1/2 days... certainly shouldn't take long.

what the hell? someone voted no? omg, well, I am at inertial cancelation in research and once I get through subspace scanners, I'll rank a few times (maybe make some money and spend some on GP and abandon some planets) do a scanning spree, start on hull research, where should I stop on hull research? then planet structures.

You are doing GREAT destroyer don't let the UGLY TROLL'S put you down they have nothing better to do than put people down to make themself feel better

new research tree

Your fine for energy and your structures should do you for now (although I would do them first to save time in the long run, get meshes/quantum)
I'd say your scanning can wait a bit.
Defenses still lagging. (although your nearly there. Next tier should do it!)
Hulls lagging (Nanospheres are a must Q-Phase is optional.)
I see you don't bother with cloak.
Shields should be fine.
Try and get your cannons up:- Quantum Disassemblers will do well. Not a great priority.

I would say research (in order):
Structures up to global meshing.
Hulls up to Nanospheres.
Defenses up to MicroWarp Nacelles.
Weapons up to Quantum Disassemblers

After you have done that you should be alright.