Three games now since I installed 1.60a. One of the very obvious changes seems to be that AIs are researching propulsion tree and warfare more aggressively than before at the expense of colonisation.

Creates both a problem and an opportunity.

Problem because the colonisation tree seems to have become quite expensive to research and takes time. In the meanwhile AIs have zoomed ahead on military and are ready to start their threatening cycle.

Opportunity of course because some of the planets are left for the picking. If your position on the map is nice and a little remote then you can go ahead and grab those planets. Plus, the AIs are willing to pay quite a bit for Extreme Colonisation and I have been able to trade research treaty without exception will all the AIs .

I suspect this also tilts the balance a little bit in favour of civs like korath or yor that can grab some of these without having to research the tree (if they are lucky to get appropriate planets in their vicinity). Not so good for Krynn ?

Have you all also noticed this or has it just been my luck of the draw?