What difficulty setting did you guys play Spore on?

I would normally chose medium but I've heard that the game is really easy. I have also heard that once you get to the space stage, you are constantly getting bombarded with attacks.

Which difficulty would let me play the game without making it a cakewalk but still let me explore without always watching my back?

even on easy you will get bombarded with attacks in the space stage. If you want to avoid that, make as many friends as possible.

Easy.

I played on normal. but I've heard its best played on hard. You also might want to edit the files so you can reduce the attack rates.

Easy, but I play every game on Easy, I don't have time to challenge myself anymore, the only game I did play on other difficulties was Mass Effect and Gears of War (Co-Op) for achievements.

I've been playing medium, good for the first 4 stages but a bitch when it comes to the galactic stage.

Normal for me, Will ramp up to hard for my next few games probably.

I played it on hard, and the attacks on your homeworld and colonies aren't that much of a problem.  Just make friends with everyone around you and it will make your life a lot easier.

I'm on the creature stage at medium and yet I'm still struggling.

Maybe I'm just rusty =/

I'm dying constantly at the tribal stage on hard and other stages were toughish as well just with little penalty for dying.  Wondering if I can change the difficulty setting mid-game ... anyone know?

Hard. Make friends with everyone and you won't get owned in the Space Stage.