So I used the method suggested by darzoq011 for the "experiment" level, shaved tons of time of my game, much higher score. Thanks a ton! Always something to learn. Now if someone has a tip for a fast complete of "suspend" I would love to hear it.
level 7 "experiment". Drop your first command between the lower-left pod and middle-left pod, build collectors to connect. drop your 2nd command between the middle bottom pod and bottom right pod, build collectors to connect. your 2nd command will take some damage before those 2 pods are rescued but don't worry about it. once your first command rescues its 2 pods, move it up to the plateau upper left and start building base. when 2nd command rescues it's first 2 pods start moving it up and rescuing pods as you go. all pods will be rescued before the 1st spore attack.
Loved it. lots of bugs though. beat every level on hard, got all badges and then.....??? no extra mission? no badge? not even a screen that says good job? nothin?