re: Landscapes
Yes, if one is the first to settle somewhere, he's the one to get the rewards. It's like ideas. The first one who has an idea that suits most customers, he'll get most of the benefits (if he knows how to sell it).
Underwater settlement has a disadvantage: It indeed looks cold but especially, the view is very limited! In space, we can literally see (well, when not bothered by sunlight) the entire universe! On the Moon, things 15 km away look as sharp as things 15 m away! Mars has huge landscapes too.
Humans have never liked forests (fairy tales take place there because the evil character can hide behind every tree) but were fascinated by deserts, sea shores, oceans and the heavens, where danger can be seen from afar.