Mzbundifund posted:

Once a colony ship reaches a planet, there's a period of time where the colony is being set up. During this setup period the planet produces nothing and costs a hefty chunk of energy every turn. I believe the number is something like -8 energy. Since we're only at 3 energy profit per turn, we're spending our reserves setting up the planet, and we don't have enough reserves to set up two at once, or in close succession.

Basically our cash reserves dictate that we're at a hard decision on which world to invest in first, and the precursor capital is the superior option in every category except comedy value.