[jimbob55]

I started a single player game with clean 1.49 mod Last week and beat the pants off the AI. Peaceful strategy, high bonus for AI.

I felt a little upset seeing as I've been annihilated in PBW games recently. Downloaded the TDM pack and tried a similar game 254 systems, high bonus 5000 race points with 10 TDM races playing on simultaneous move.
It certainly made a difference. The only race prepared to ally with me were the Rage, which was a surprise. I only survived through closing myself off from the rest of the galaxy in my 8 systems and I'm still playing. The top 3 races have scores around 4 million each and I'm 6th with 2 million.

Very challenging game. I've just emerged from my bunker and met a defensive fleet of 35 ships. It's great.

The AI ship designs are not exactly sluggers (lots of engine disruption weapons, few direct damage) but they hurt through attrition. Nothing like having your ships sitting useless and eating maintainance as you try to get another repair crew to them.