Wow, spectacular! The gameplay has improved a lot.
One suggestion: the claim order could be made to install an outpost that allows you to see-spy the systems connected to it by jump points. This would allow you to establish "embassies," since it would show if there's a nearby empire.
This could also be modified in the future. Imagine changing the functionality of those outposts to trading stations that allow you to trade with other empires.

















