As you already know that "Yamoto" module is already in progress and look like there is now fierce competition for the first spot. Though initial dayswere dominated by dachcolony but now it looks a distant third. Look like @zzings and @powernap are determined to get the first spot and exchanging the first spot between them.
Yamoto race caused scarcity of stardust and players are now burning their planets for stardust or purchasing it. There are few players also that are looking for the resource also. Though the competition is fierce for top spot but many of the player lost the hope that they can reach at top 20 spot and left the race in midway.
I feel the game will going to take a very new turn in next few days as exploration speed is now limited by "Base" level, players burning the planet for the Stardust, selling the stardust in private and in discord channel and buying the ships in the market.
I think player need to clearly formulate their strategy for next season, whether they will participate in Yamoto module, burning resources and stardust or focus on exploration finding planets and blueprints and selling it for SD or focus on generating resources to sell.
As far my journey is concerned, I am keeping myself away for at least another 2-3 season, doing a little bit of exploration, buying the planets and focusing solely on building my ships and gathering resources. (Maybe I will get a good chances with all my ships and resources when these big wigs might get tired after depleting their resources in 3 seasons.)