Tnarg, I mostly have just explored what the map maker has via it's menu. I have found out, like you that some features have not been inplemented in the program. (palaces, etc.) I have learned that some features work differently than I expected. For example, a planet that is Cloaked will not show up to the human player; however the computer can see it!
I did do an interesting change to a map Last week...I gave every star a combination of sight obscuration and damage. So now you can use any star to hide in , but you pay a price in some damage! (More realistic? AKA Startrek)
Did you try doing any Scenarios? Or make any interesting maps?