ToA v1.99 Impressions (and some ideas for the future)
Espionage
I found the Espionage Tab to be very good in 1.99: effective, focused. We can place spyes on planets, see where they are and also place them as infiltrators (without doing damage to the races) to raise spy level. Would be a 5 star update if it would include new features. Of course that the espionage feature could be expanded alot in future versions, some ideas: (1) steal specific tech (with cost); (2) incite riots (specific towns); (3) sabotage trade routes; (4) sabotage starbases; just to name a few.
Production Governors (Not rated yet)
Didn't used them yet. Used them in the past however. Didn't found the need in Huge map where I like to manage my ~20 Planets by hand.
New "Disable Tech Brokering" feature
Wonderful option. A new and fresh game experience. With this feature enabled you raise diplomacy to a next level since it is possible to micromanage relations by deciding with whom to share your secrets.
New "Random Events" and "Extreme Planets" ocurrence feature
I like random events, I think they bring a certain dynamic to the game, that is important to add a little salt and pepper once in a while specially for long games, so I tend to choose "occasional". Now about extreme planets. Extreme planets have something about them that just does not feel right yet. Extreme techs take too long in normal speed. In many occasions extreme planets are rather poor (4 to 6) which make them unattractive. One idea would be to plant derilights/bonuses on them (wrecked ships, ancient ruins...)
Some ideas for future updates:
a) I think on suberb new feature of Galciv2 would be to alow planet bombardement with loss of citizens and occasional planetary buildings. I leave too often my planets ungarded for the entire game which does not seem realistic to an hostile race with a foothold in my territory.
Replace the invasion screen for something more dramatic. I fancied the old invasion screen with the little man and tanks shooting. Another aspect to invasion is that I think it is too easy to invade (read also something about it in other threads). The advantage to the attacker is just too high. Adding assault vehicles would be nice (would need to be built apart with special techs).
c) Planet destruction is already there but what about planet creation (from gas giants for example). This would be a nice addition (should be costly though, but there could be random events shortcuts like a device left on some planet that would unleash a chain reaction ...).
d) Raise diplomacy to the next level by introducing new diplomacy traits like: "You attacked our friends [--]" or "You are allied to our worst rival [--]" or "you have a treaty with our rivel" [-] and the analogous options.
e) Enhance espionage: (1) steal specific tech (with cost); (2) incite riots (specific towns); (3) sabotage trade routes; (4) sabotage starbases; just to name a few.
f) Spice up extreme planets with derilights/bonuses (wrecked ships, ancient ruins...) that could be seen before they are colonized.
Note: Fleet stacks still have moving difficulties. When all fleets are selected sometimes all move, other times only some move. This should be looked at.