quote:
Originally posted by Baron Munchausen:
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 is exactly how it should work. The diplomatic model should create grave consequences for beating up on neutrals.