I restarted yesterday, because I was so frustrated. I had played up to level 80 and had always taken the first planet available.

I restarted, and am now level 21, so far I only have three planets, as I've limited myself to planets that are rich or better. Have I just switched extremes? Going from not picky to far to picky, or is this a good strategy?

It is a good strategy for production, but always be prepared for disappointment. They may be taken from you, so protect them.

You might be a bit too picky now. Even if a planet's not that good, at early stages it might be better to take than to just not have planets. At that level, even bad planets can fairly well up your resources. If it's massive and better than abundant it should still be good.

They way I have played, after taking 2 or 3 weak ones in the beginning was to only go for large rich planets. I will make exceptions for like a massive with very abundant or an small 2x mega. But really I have seen no weakness in my planet production from going this way. I say go with your rule but be willing to make exceptions and keep your scanners being researched to find more and better.

Yes I think you have. Only 3 planets.. and overly limiting the amount you take will greatly slow down everything for you as you have restarted... all production will be terrible. Since you will grow so slowly the chances of someone snatching those rich worlds from you (you'll have a hard time getting to proper planetary defenses quickly) is high. Normally a player will take planets early on they would not accept later in the game.. and thru normal gameplay there are many ways to enhance your worlds, dump old ones, and purge as many as you like to scan better... 10-20 GP to abandon a few later is doable.... or my personal fav leave anything less than rich with no atk/def as someone will eventually take them.. leaving a space for better.

Hah, yeah. It sucked once when I finally scrounged the GP to abandon one and somebody took it very shortly thereafter O_o.

I personally like to steal planets...
(got that out of the way)

I also tend NOT to defend mine since I figure someone determined enough will get it no matter what. I rather get the goods now.

As for choosing planets, based on current game mechanics, (the rarity of a quasi) its just better to pick planets based on size, rather than resources. Data optimizers, terraformers, toxic purifiers, and the control to adjust buildings makes the size of the planet more important. Im picky too, but as people say, get more picky when you can MORE afford it. In the beginning, just get the ball rollin.

~ D

I follow the 'cheap home alarm system' method - I put 6-10 spaces of defense on my worlds, figuring someone who sees that may judge the guy next door's world as a better grab.