Pathfinder,
As for the issue about AI research I was only trying to assist Val and you. May I made a suggestion, try this, start a game and after a hundred turns or so go into each AI empire and review they on-going research. Note the changes you make to tweat/redirected they research. They do some screwie research, like trying to research third level of resupply as an example. Review the AI empire every ten turns there after. I find its increase the level of gaming differculty for me, thus increase one's game enjoyable.
The Vorlon

are going OK in my present game, all ther other

could use some assistance in strenghting they research effort.
Lighthorse
