From personal observations only and anyone is welcomed to correct me if i'm wrong with those;

1- The variable amounts of random stars showing on the Z-plane (underneath the map layer).
2- The overall average sizes of Nebula(s) as it compares to the general grid boxes distance from each other (similar to the above).
3- The startup sizing value (as in smaller to bigger %) of the Tactical map when first invoqued. A sort of default.
4- Possibly has to do with combat weaponry (graphical precision) being fired in battles.
5&6- These parameters allow for variable 'illumination' ratios applied to the entire galaxy display. Think of brightness & contrast levels type of graphic adjustments in drawing or even, monitor calibrations & gamma corrections.
7- Numerous 3d gizmos attached to the models; ship artifacts (maybe jewels), clouds, rings, some planet textures (etc) can be simply disabled with this.
8- Can't test this feature since my V-Card doesn't handle it but i'm almost sure this is about 3d rendering on ships where the polygon functions can be enhanced via acceleration if the hardware supports it.
9- 100% cranked up as if you'd alter the same value in the opponents config edit boxes for any AIs.

- Zyxpsilon.