I think engines give more life support too, think of it logically if 2 ships travel that has the same size and crew, but one is faster than the other, the one that is faster can travel further before a refill.
The AI isn't kookie, real smart, you just gave them a free tech. Pretty smart there Brad
That is not true, I played the level right above normal, and medium map with abdunant everything, with tight clusters. I defeated 2 races out of 4 (5 total including me) and then I influenced everything else. Since it was the end of the game, all my research bases I turned then into influences and stock markets. I wiped the last 2 with influence and conquered with military (the only option that was opened.)
I don't make ships until necassary for war, then I will choose what weapon is the most effective. So just keep a small army but when it is time for war, boost production in military, redesign as necessary and go to war. When war is over, sell what you don't need (like level 1 ships or damaged ships) and keep high level ships around. Even though you will not be the strongest, you will have the strongest economy by not spending maintance on ships you don't need. And when needed you can usually mak
what is up with people and 70+% in taxes, good God, I have never went over 50% even when I am at the beginning of the game when I need it most. Once I got my economy going I hover around 25% and still take in 1 to 1.5k a turn. Once I went as low as 10% making only a few hundred just so i can be happy that I run an effienct govenemt
