Coming in very late here, but I did want to comment two things:
If we’re talking about diversity of species, the fact that we essentially only have one miche per food source (slightly split for those that have sub-types, like clouds and chunks) by definition limits how many species can exist per patch in a stable state (not transient, like with incoming migrants or new species before someone goes extinct next generation), apart from predators which have a miche per prey species. Until the system is expanded, we’re not going to consistently see for example numerous cyanobacteria alongside formidable algae (and later ponderous multicellular algae).
Though while saying this, I am also well aware that the current performance of the auto-evo system means expanding the number of species might not be the best idea.
Finally, if there is anything I would want to add to a “Microbe Stage wrap-up”, it’s a last push to make sure the various available cell parts and options are actually hooked into auto-evo and AI cells. I will see if and how much I can contribute to that myself in time.