This is what I find myself doing for a good chunk of the game, just pressing the End Turn button rapidly in succession, while I wait for my colonies to build up and for me to research the tech for large-size hulls. Only much later can I start to build up a fleet and do anything really proactive.
I find I always take the same research decisions no matter which race I play.
I love this game and I've purchased nearly all the DLC but the lack of things to do in the early-mid game is getting a bit tedious. I always start the same way and always do the same things and I spend a lot of time just clicking the End Turn button with the screen zoomed out to the max.
I'm wondering what else I'm missing?
By the way, I'm not sure I'm gonna buy any more DLC until Stardock fixes planetary invasions. I can't believe they're not gonna try to do something with this essential game element - it's not even on their roadmap!!