[Atraikius]

MB - Yes, you need a basic understanding of the AI files to begin with, but once you have that, I think it helps you understand the files better.
Instead of controlling event he fleets yourself, try making yourself ONLY make changes to the AI files. Any thing you want the AI to do differently you have to do in the AI files (or the strategy settings in game if using a .emp file). I thought playing that way gave the feel of really being the emporer, not being able to directly control what your empire does, only directing/manipulating your miniters to do what you wanted. (you can also think of it as an additional difficulty level for when the game gets too easy)