I believe a manufactoring capitol is something you build.

He's referring to the techs to build the capitols I believe.

Remember that different races start out with different techs. Most A.I. races start with the tech needed to build a Manufacturing capital, and all are only 1 or 2 techs shy of being able to build a tech capital.

Lastly, the A.I. is many many many times better at micro managing then we are. Although it's only because the A.I. never gets tired of it. Players seem to understand how to specialize planets a lot better and that it's a waste to put a Starport on EVERY planet you own...

Usually, I actually dump all funding into research the first few turns or so. I'll just buy any ships and buildings I can afford and will research fully even longer if my Surveyor can find anomolies with more than 1bc of cash! I've only seen cash come as 1bc, 500bc, 750bc, 1000bc, and 2500bc. I get 1bc most often, then 500bc second, 2500bc third, 1000bc fourth, and only a few times have came across 750bc.

You should be able to see their research rates by clicking on a blank square of space. If you've got twice as many research centers as they do and they have ten times your research rate, they probably aren't bound by the rules.