After recollecting myself, I went back to the strategy guide and the logs. I thought maybe it was MGE, but I did recall a few of you winning OCC with MGE. So on a small, random map (with some customization), I made another attempt. What I did differently was to study the Fortnight #2 logs in detail, esp. from Graag, Sten and crow, who all played in MGE. Graag had a similar experience as me and gave up on the game. Sten's and crow's logs were really beneficial in that it taught me what priorities to focus on. But, the biggest help was in diplomacy. They proved that it can be accomplished successfully, esp. in the clue of saving up 4 techs to give them all at once. I am now just into AD and have made 2 alliances, received 4 maps and over 500 in tribute. Everyone is pretty much hostile most of the time, but I can keep them pacified enough to allow me to race up the tech tree (see, I can learn to play nice ).

Actually I do have one simple question. If you use WL to get to 21 under Republic, why get Refrig/Supermarket and improve the land later on? I didn't think there was a need to grow beyond 21.

The point of refridgeration is true, i've played the last 3 games and not researched it!!! i can only assume you would research it, if you had a terrible terrain, where the only way to get to size 21 was to reshape mountains or farm your land, so the farming is easier?!?!

The point of refrigeration is to double-irrigate and increase the population. The extra population after size 21 would be used as scientists or tax-men, as needed. The theory here is that by going out of your way by researching a "Non-space flight" tech path, you can increase your science output later on.