Yes it does seem like the colonizers get all the good things, but I think that this will be more balanced in the actual game.

First I don't think colonies are free(outposts are, not colonies). There was mention that the cost would grow higher based on the T score of the planet. Planets with low T score need constant reprovisions to keep their colonies active.

Second most planets will either require terraforming(more money) or eradication/removal of a native species. That will require people to take either the Terraformer/Conquer/Trader/Diplomat archetypes.

Third the money to purchase these planets or terraform them or wage war will come from the missions that are so frequent in the text dump. Giving players missionista/Eco Hero/Body Guard/etc badges.

All these should round out the last phases, but I hope the beta testers are giving them good advice. In a recent gamesite interview the writer said that WW was suprised by how hard he actually had to hunt for food during the Tribal Phase. I am hoping they aren't expecting the first round of player complaints to take the place of beta testing.