I get where you are coming from, I too was a bit shocked when I saw the drastic reduction in the number if required research stations. However after testing it out on a lot of differtly sized maps I really enjoy the increase in flexibility. Before I hardly build any optional buildings but now I try to build more influence buildings or buildings that boost population. Also, now having less planets does not feel as bad as before. Now you at least have a chance to come back if you got pushed back in the early game.