I think ignoring early settlements that the united states would be the most succesful colony in that they relativly brought in more value (Science entertainment etc) then others. They are also somewhat warlike. Any nation that lives in a other star system is eventually going to become a other nation and a potential threat for earth. A dyson sphere on the other hand would be the equivallent of 550 million planets settled (in surface area). Integrate a matrioska brain behind it and you can build several universes that obeys your personal set of physics if you like. the equivallent of 550 million physical worlds and countless universes worth of digital space. It could be enough.
Not saying that there is no need for a presence outside the solar system. But we are far from done with our own.
Not saying that there is no need for a presence outside the solar system. But we are far from done with our own.