I have some in-game paly to ask of.
Just playing Normal though, and it seems easy, as in AI has no threat at all as long as I have a good military. However, there's always some economy problem in the early part of the game during exploring/expanding where going tax by up to 50% - 55%, and having still having -100 bc per week. I had to minus the default 67% on spending to around 30% 40% to give a possitive income, but everything slowed down. I retire some game from this due to going bankrupt. So far only trade and and the next government type research can save it. I prefer custom race, and Technologist goverment with race ability in research hoping to make things go faster.
How do u guys solve the economic problem at start of game? I'll only go tough setting if able to overcome this.
Also, I've notice u guys win by military conquest a lot, and surprisingly in short years. That means, researching on planetary invasion early on, and attacking AI at start with impulse drive3 and laserV ??
If attacking early at start, how about the economic problem with income going negative at default 67% spending.