Iggy ::: I think you should wait awhile before you get a UU, it would be best to find out the surronding enemies UU so you can make a powerful counter. Also, your "Expand Madly" Strategy lacks overall planning. The Populance of the areas may rise up and cause heavy casualties, are you willing to take that as is or are you willing to rewrite.
Foozicaba ::: There are a number of way. You can have a powerful Trade Monoply. Build new Economic Centers. Raid surronding countries. Building some projects may even increase Eco.