Update: After I took 3 of their best worlds in one turn the Arcaens surrendered... to me. I got the rest of their empire (4 or so planets). I wouldn't have been able to take the other 4 for quite some time.
The turn after the Torians and Altarians declare war on me... something about facing an agressive threat. Who little old me?
Nice to see the AI of the other races at least recognising the dramatic threat I now pose. Its five turns since they declared war but they haven't sent any fleets against me yet. I've just formed a Republic and am racing to get Laser II to improve my small fighters. I have warp engines.
I'm playing a "no tech trading game" as I detest the micromanagement of getting the best deals. I realise this is probably hampering the AI as they like to give each other techs. I did start this game to see the AI improvement though so I wanted as even a playing field as possible.
For those of you who were wondering what happens when you conquer or are given a planet whose climate you haven't researched yet: You can't build anything on it until you get the relevant tech.
