Re: how to get the EMS to 5000?
With the "Extended Cut" (EC) the EMS needed to achieve that ending was reduced to 3500 (IIRC).
I've chosen that path a couple of times with different characters, although since I seldom play MP my Galatic Readiness is almost always 50%.
But as for that being the "perfect" ending... I call no ending perfect that requires the death of either Shepard or EDI. 😕mileyfrustrated: