[DavidG]

It occured to me while adding SectTypes to my modding program that it might be nice if the descriptions for the planets actually had an in game effect.

You could perhaps add a bunch more fields to the SectTypes file so that for example on a "Tiny planet dominated by carniverous flora." people would be less happy and reproduce slower. or a "Huge planet which is rumored to be the home of ancient powers." would give a bonus to research facilities.