[oleg]

I experimented a little and think it is possible to get AIC games almost the same momentum as an unmoded game (first 30-40 turns will be slow still). Basically, your race setup should have O1 and MP options. Pour racial points into Propulsion Experts and max out research and construction. Research Fast Colonizers and contr-terran engines ASAP. That will give colony ships speed 5 - almost like normal game. O1 option will remove the need for population transports. MP will give you Research centers and Miners with 50% extra output - to compensate for slower building rate. Finally, construction bonuses/penalties add up, not multiply. That means if you have -75% from low population and +25% from the race ability, fresh colony will have only -50% construction. Ten turns later with O1 and it will build basic buildings in 2 turns ! Of course, if you run into xenophobic AI, all plans off.