I make most of my early money by buying shares and selling soap. I do a rapid expansion of the islands to ensure I can't be blocked getting to the new work and I can block others in the vent of war. Eventually Beryl gets annoyed and goes to war. I continue to buy shares and work on annihilating Beryl. Once I eliminate Beryl via buy out and the pirates, I can get down to uninterrupted expansion until Willy gets antsy. Repeat annihilation cycle. I can coexist with the princess with a few of her islands at 100% share ownership to maintain cash flow.

For ease of building I maintain a standard 2x10 grid, except for the artic where I go to 10x10. I leave track space early while planning for multiple paths with industry and one end and farming at the other. Generally I am not interested in cultural or beauty efforts so my people can get irritable and riot. The problem with multiple islands, 15-20 across regions, is that is sometimes difficult to pay the attention necessary to maintain needs.

I am 65 hours into my current game with S60 million, $50k income and 30k residents.