[AJC]

I usually play at high difficulty and medium bonus with a low to med number of AI races, no neutrals, in a large galaxy. I set my default large map to 220 systems. That way the AI can expand a bit before I show up, usually this makes for a tough fight. I am also using some of the mod races..

One thing I do like about playing a high difficulty and a medium bonus is that the AI tends to keep just ahead of the humans in ship sizes and technology. The games seem more balanced.