Here is my suggestion; There needs to be a slider for tech trading likelihood, with 100% being what it is now.

As the Drengin for instance, I think negotiation is beneath me. I like to 'roleplay' rather than do what is strategically viable, which is to be a tech whore in the start of the game before I start smash and grab.

as the humans on the other hand, I try to trade and expand peacefully.

I can see how in multiplayer the setting of 100% would be ideal, because this lets the AI keep up with the humans. But in a solo game it is basically a chance to get your butt kicked technologically.