Hmmm...I forgot. Would Earth be considered a relatively average planet in terms of mineral wealth? If so, it seems odd that it would run out of a critical mineral like Duranium so quickly. In an epic scale game, it seems to me that is should take longer.
If minerals are as scarce as they seem, you have a built in drive for expansion. It seems to me that no race will be able to take a "Stay at home" strategy, because they must always hunt out new mineral supplies. Of course, this is all based on a limited example.
Kurt
For a terrestrial world, Earth is pretty limited in minerals. If you have a look at the campaign and check out some of the other similar worlds, you will see a lot more minerals. However, it would be rare to find a world with all minerals easily accessible so some off-world or out-system mining will usually be required.
Steve, why was Earth given such limited minerals?
I mean, with Nemesis on the way, it's not like there's a viable "stay at home" tactic - is there.....