So we've established that Alliances are basically a waste of time in their current state. At most they keep the AI off your back for a while and let you win an Alliance victory if that's what you're aiming for.
What about military buildings? I keep reading these don't do a lot, though I've never really tried them myself.
And then there's sensors. I keep researching the tech for these but my ships don't seem to see any further.
Would appreciate your thoughts 
Thanks, Ed