Heh, offer peace and maybe we will let you go. But I think Ejay wants to have fun.
Just because someone is 7 days inactive doesn't mean you should just attack. Anyway enjoy your wars.
Ask Fili how he manages it. A couple of hours on IRC for bill payments can do the trick for you and active IRC trade partners for tax collection, in short IRC is key.
Whatever reduction MC gives you for tech it will not come close to the bonuses in income,citizens,and happiness the 5BG set will provide. Also, by making this circle now, even if you have a young nation, will provide not only trade stability but also take away the hassle of finding another circle when your nation has developed.
For Aluminum and Oil go for the 5BG set. Its better for nation building all around.
Wheat, Fish, Cattle, Aluminum, Coal, Iron, Lumber, Marble, Oil, Rubber, Water, and Uranium (can be replaced by gems until you are in the top 5% or buy the MP wonder)
Agreeing with Synth here. However, you may also consider joining Aqua and sign the ICE. Then start selling tech to The Grämlins to build your nations quickly. Drop by our forum www.cn-gremlins.com and we can get your alliance into the tech selling business.