The point is that researching ourselves without Libraries is a waste of beakers but waste is minimal if we can run at 40% or less research which is usually fine until Education on the upper F6 tree branch and Invention on the lower branch. It is also possible to use occasional scientists to speed the things up. However, the subsequent techs are becoming expensive and require setting the slider at 60% or even 70% science and scientists contribute too little to make them useful. This will be a major waste of beakers. We are also in Monarchy. Thus, our income is crippled compared to Republic (CDZ+CGN).
Building units or improvements is a delicate balance which is not so easy to maintain and decide. Going all-out to war is usually very risky unless there is an alliance.
