Wow, I wish I was as close to the center of the galaxy as you folks. I essentially started on the outer rim of colonized space it seems. (Or at least should have kept my idea back for another week or two, heh).
Yes, our little side of the galaxy has a nice set of some empires right near us, including multiples of the top "30" in the game. We don't really have much expansion room, and I think overall fighting in this game is going to be more difficult than you think, assuming the defending empire is smart. With a couple scout screens, then can see any fleets going to take out their center planet and just build defenses in the "days" that it takes to reach it since then.
idk, it'll be very interesting to say the least. At least with my position though I think mass trade fleets may be the better option early on.
