Obsessive Directive Question

Hello Stellaris Community!

A question I have, I’ve played a few different empires but always find myself going to play Obsessive directive/arc welders.

I’ve taken a break from the game, but I genuinely enjoyed the experience with it! issue is I’ve actually only played on the lighter difficulties. I’m thinking about finally jumping into harder difficulties and wanted to know thoughts on which ascension I should go. I typically have gone for going virtual and then cosmogenesis. Is this still viable, or should I try something else?

Thank you so much in advance!