[Repo Man]

With respect to neutrals,I think neutrals are part of the key to a better political system. Right now, neutrals are simply small empires waiting to be devoured by players.

I would love it if there were some game benefit to work for trade/military/research agreements with neutrals instead of simply wiping them out. The same algorithm could be applied to non controlled major powers too.

Going to war should have some economic cost beyond lost units. That would encourage other ways of imperial expansion, and make them part of good game play.