What should I bet on in the early game in Dragonfire when research is weak?

In the early game, your type research only gives a few percent — so it doesn't dominate. The real levers are elsewhere, and they're free or cheap:

1. The Center's aura. The biggest effect available right now. Put a Champion at the Center (ideally Rhysarion, *Ebbing Fury* −27.5% enemy damage plus Recovery). It's a flat %, independent of your research level.
2. The green +20% affinity. Line your dragons up with the type they're green for → +20% stats per dragon. Huge next to the ±7% and your fledgling research.
3. Your dragons' level and stars. That's what carries raw Power early. Level them on high-XP targets (Hedge Knights, wild dragons, high-level tiles) rather than bridge defenders.
4. Multi-wave attrition to take big targets despite modest power.

Don't bankrupt yourself pushing research that's still weak: early on, dragons, auras and affinities win fights. Research takes over later.