I have asked for it to work just like the starbase sponsor screen with the little gears.  To me, this would be the most UI consistent implementation.  

I don't turn off the auto update.  I enable "do not update until planet is full".  I then use terraforming in the build list to create a blank tile, which forces the planet to get back to me after completing a long build list and before any rampant updating.  I can use that trick to gate future levels of upgrades to advanced levels.  It helps reduce my micromanagement while maintaining an illusion of control.

So yeah, global options, please.

Yes this. 100%, such a pain in the backside having to do this every time. I also have a tendancy to miss it now and again!

I have been unable to find this "master option" in Crusades. We really do need it.

With upgrades costing resources now, this would be *really* useful to have.

Well It would be very useful. Especially if you have 10 factories on a planet, auto-upgrade all of them and
spend your whole durantium without knowing.

Me too.

If it were available I'd use it all the time.