On Brutal Tinkers don't get a starting altar, but are still "happy" (hope this is a feature). However, if unload colonists (to a Dzibix) they suddenly become "sad". Don't think there is a need to upload - just start as Tinkers on Brutal.
Also, Ocean planets are not shown as cognizable, and you can't colonize them from a neighboring planet. However, you can colonize an Ocean planet using a Colony Ship. Could be a feature, but unfinished one.