1. Beta- by far, close to villages and water, also a huge mineshaft right under the base
2. iron is super easy to get i guess
3. build directly under and above the biodome, works great, you can build a farm and smeltery and storage
4. i like to get the kitchen quickly so i never really worry about it. chickens are a big thing for me cause of eggs
5. i love mithril armor, but i can work with invar