I don't think playing ST renegades would be a good idea - too many players in a position to be hostile and all - but there are Strandless worlds down there if Asriel is interested. That said, he'd also make a good moderator (not to say he couldn't be both.)
As it seems like the majority of people favour the idea of not pausing production and R&D, I invite everyone to continue as they were and I apologise.
The Azdgari, Zidagar and Igadzra are all taking a voluntary R&D break in a few days (continuing on with one project slot each, we decided), because we decided things were going way too quickly in that department. For now, I think it should be down to everyone's discretion.