I would suggest replacing probing with using warp. That is the best way to spread out and most popular.
Also using the market is a needed skill. Maybe a "training market" that insures prices that can be afforded and that what is placed on the market is bought provided it is with reason in cost.

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"Is not easily provoked"
Translated:
It is not good to wake a sleeping bear

20x planets to start for the first system or two.
extra resources.
100k T or 500k Vital. Doesn't really matter. It will not affect the state of the game as far as we are concerned. If it helps the new player I don't think any of us will cry unfair.

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I am here to help in anyway I can! Let's have fun!