Gathering resource units

There was a discussion on Discord about planet exploration, which spiraled into what methods players used to gather Resource Units (RU). Which got me thinking that it would be more interesting if there were multiple viable methods of collecting RU.

Let's look at the methods in SC2:

1. Planet exploration

A rather low risk method, at least compared to number 3. Rewards varied based on planets.

2. Selling information to the Melnorme

More uncommon than the first method, reward was great for location of Rainbow worlds.

3. Spoils of war

Attacking enemy ships. Rather high risk, low reward. You could actually lose RU if you lost plenty of ships.

4. Scamming the Druuge

High reward, required some knowledge in advance of game mechanics and unlike the others not very repeatable. Extremly amusing.

What I propose for SCO

1. Planet exploration

One thing I did not enjoy in SC2 was the tediousness of returning to the starbase to sell resources. I would prefer that instead of harvesting materials when we discover them we mark the location for future expansion of humanity and are rewarded an amount of ingame currency.

Also I recommend an option to randomize resource amounts on planets to make multiple play throughs more interesting.

2. Selling items

Rather than have only one civilization that buys stuff, perhaps we could have multiple interested in different things. The Menk-mack might be interested in practical things, like resources, while the Dan'nath would be interested in secrets. Another option would be to take the item and sell it at the Earth starbase. And each could offer different amounts for the same item.

For example say we discover a precursor artifact we could take to Star Control HQ and get 1000 RU, or sell it to the Mu'kay for 3000. There would be the dilemma or getting more resources or advancing the interests of Earth.

3. Spoils of war

What could be done is that there are freighters that carry lots of resources, of course they would be protected by multiple battle ships. But who doesn't like space piracy? 

Also attacking ships of civilizations you are trying to befriend would not be good for relations.

4. Can't really think of anything, but I'd like there to be some not so obvious method of getting a lot of RU fast.