Would that be valid? Word is that on 1.1 space pirates will only steal crystite...

Can I be the second smithore player? I live at GMT-4

One thing to consider is that we can over-bid the food and power deals (since those players will be lagging behind) to transfer money. Another important aspect is that we don't need to necessarially toast mules, mass-rebuying the smithore when its price goes down (although it means a pirate raid risk) can bring its price up.
I think a good strategy would be to start slow until like turn 5, keeping a steady supply of smithore to make mules, expanding our energy and food base. After that turn, it'd be a stockpile-mule toast-sale galore, I think if we plan it right we can catch some 3 price oscilation cycles to maximize profit.