I've been trying .31 with as many of the races put into the active directory as will currently work, no neutral players, hardest AI, highest AI boost.
As soon as I put Ship Capture components on my ships I become effectively unbeatable (went up 12 tech levels in one turn from analysing ships).
What, apart from the security component, protects from boarding parties?
Also : Val just got your email. I wouldn't mind getting .32 as it currently is so that I can try the changes you've put in it. As long as the map generator does leave some Hydrogen worlds for the Gaim I'll be happy (might even have to co-exist with others -
)