[spoon]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
But I have never lost to someone and felt like the reason I lost was because they took the trait. They still have to do a lot of things right, and an opponent that does that will be dangerous with or without it.

I've only played two games, but both times it was Ancient Race that gave me the victory. (well, the second game is still on, but I already blew up the enemy homeworld). Both games had close starting positions (6 sectors for the first game, 30 or so for the second) which gives a huge advantage to the Ancient Race empire. I suspect if starting positions are further apart, then Ancient Race will play less of a role. Still, though, I can't imagine playing without it. (well, unless it was Banned, of course...)