It also gives you the full pop cap upgrade. Very useful for Vassari especially since they normally take ages to get trade up and running!!!!
Though maybe it gives TEC the true advantage as they can have trade running in a couple of minutes if they sacrifice building a big fleet and rushing LRMs out etc...
One paradox I have also noticed - potentially Quick Start can result in longer games as they choices between econ and military options are not requried as you can do both....
