The only cost to get a planet is the colony ship. Of course, you might need more than 1 due to a tiny planet or other negative trait. So yes, getting to the max number of colonies isn't the hard part. It's developing them all to respectable levels.
Also, that post I believe you're referring to is from 2009, before Standard and Speed were released.
Re: Getting ur Colony ship and new planet.
#31Forum Moderator: The Chill One ~ Gale Points: 52
The only thing standing between me and immortality is death.