Holistic
wrapped in plastic
I'd suggest for the ideologies/religions to be more... "inspired" by the SMAC factions, or at least archetypes they correspond to. Also, while I like the term ideology, "dogma" might be a good alternative. At least three of the SMAC-factions would make quite suitable dogmas for early moon colonisation (pre losing contact?); Morganites, University and Peacekeepers. The Chartra Selene -> Public Liberties (spelling?) tech branch might "work" as the dogma-enabling branch. Here's some suggestions anyway.
For example, a "Morganite" dogma makes sense early on, since the main goal of the colonization would be to profit by exploiting the moon's resources . "Earth First" might describe the dogma better, and a dollar sign might work as a symbol (though perhaps too predictable). Instead of producing culture, Earth First could produce gold in cities where it's spread to.
Similarly, a "University" dogma makes sense in the early game, as the main motive for getting to the moon in the first place is the possibilites for research. "Technofreaks" or "Lab Rats" doesn't sound quite right, and I suppose "Reductionism" or "Empiricism" misses the mark. Again, beakers as a symbol might be too predictable, as might research as a substitute for culture.
The "Peacekeeping" dogma sees the Moon as the common interest of humanity and the colonization as an opportunity to inspire world peace. Or something like that. It makes the most sense very early on, before wars between colonists start. "Humanitarianism", "Humanism" or "Universalism" might be fitting label. Dove as a symbol, and produces the good ol' culture (if you don't opt for a different culture-spreading model).
Also, it could be interesting to have "bad" religion-like-thingamajigs that have no good effects but instead drain culture/research/gold where it spreads. The Fatalist bunch don't seem like ones that would contribute much to the colonization, for instance, but neither would an Anarchy ideology (from the player's all-controlling perspective, that is). Spreading "bad" religions/ideologies/dogmas could even be made spy missions for some interesting irregular warfare. Might be too annoying, though.
For example, a "Morganite" dogma makes sense early on, since the main goal of the colonization would be to profit by exploiting the moon's resources . "Earth First" might describe the dogma better, and a dollar sign might work as a symbol (though perhaps too predictable). Instead of producing culture, Earth First could produce gold in cities where it's spread to.
Similarly, a "University" dogma makes sense in the early game, as the main motive for getting to the moon in the first place is the possibilites for research. "Technofreaks" or "Lab Rats" doesn't sound quite right, and I suppose "Reductionism" or "Empiricism" misses the mark. Again, beakers as a symbol might be too predictable, as might research as a substitute for culture.
The "Peacekeeping" dogma sees the Moon as the common interest of humanity and the colonization as an opportunity to inspire world peace. Or something like that. It makes the most sense very early on, before wars between colonists start. "Humanitarianism", "Humanism" or "Universalism" might be fitting label. Dove as a symbol, and produces the good ol' culture (if you don't opt for a different culture-spreading model).
Also, it could be interesting to have "bad" religion-like-thingamajigs that have no good effects but instead drain culture/research/gold where it spreads. The Fatalist bunch don't seem like ones that would contribute much to the colonization, for instance, but neither would an Anarchy ideology (from the player's all-controlling perspective, that is). Spreading "bad" religions/ideologies/dogmas could even be made spy missions for some interesting irregular warfare. Might be too annoying, though.
I'm glad you're doing the python bub! My head will be swimming for hours after just reading that. 
)
Get back to work!
Of course now I have to go hit the road for a few hours though.....
