One thing I'd like to see, if it's not too late, is the ability to start from any tech level, by points buying.
There could also be a sliding scale of existing infrastructural development, so for example 1 on the scale would be the default starting compliment ie 1 survey ship 1 scout ship 1 colony ship 1 shipyard, but 2 would be 2 colony ships and a constructor, 3 maybe 3 colony ships 2 constructors, etc etc