>>96931929
You aren't going to beat Heighliner, but you can pick up 2nd for as cheaply as possible or just skip dumping guys in the conflict. Research Station and Selective Breeding cost water and spice, which stays relevant for the whole game while mid to late Solari rtakes a nose dive, may as well spend it at Mentat especially if you know someone else wants it. A well tuned BG deck may have 4 good agent effects in hand, Mentat is the cheapest way to proc the extra.