To clarify on 1: Disassembling components gives you a small percentage (1-5%, I think) of research points toward the next level of that technology. So, if you disassembled them now, you would get points towards Beta shields, and if you waited till you finished that, you would get points toward Gamma shields. As mentioned, these points will only go toward the colony you disassemble them on. This mechanic means that, strictly speaking, it is most efficient to wait until you are able to research Delta shields, since 1-5% of 8000 RP is worth more than 1-5% of 2000 RP. The trade-off is fewer research points now versus more research points later, and the "right decision" totally depends on what situation your empire is in.