quote:
Originally posted by DirkHowitzer:
These are all good ideas, but you have to consider reality as well...I mean in the real world how long would a country like Switzerland/Cuba/Phillipines/Swaziland/etc...(small countries...Switzerland was actually neutral in WWII)...Last against the US or other large power if that country really decided that they wanted the smaller one. So don't give the neutrals to large a bonus.
This is true, of course. The real restraint on a ruthless conquering sort of empire is the diplomatic consequences of being too brazen about it.
If the other AI empires would take notice of your behavior and dispute with you then the neutrals would be more survivable. And it doesn't have to be only "nice" AIs that stick up for neutrals. Another ruthless conqueror might just as likely say "Hey, that's MY turf" and threaten you for taking the neutral system because they want to take it themselves.
[This message has been edited by Baron Munchausen (edited 21 January 2001).]