Treaties..... whats the point?

[couslee]

In my current game, I have met a number of races, 3 of which have survived. One is fairly large, and we are locking horns at every turn. No problem. There are two other minor races than didn't think their tiny empire could take on mine and are still around. One has one system and five planets, the other has one system and three planets. They keep wanting to establish a trade alliance with my 15 system 32 planet empire. Now, what could they possibly offer that would make me agree to that? Their production is a widow's mite compared to mine. Certainly, getting a percentage of my production would be a big boon for them, and quite possible enough to make them a threat later on. I have no desire to provide the means for them to attack me. And the production percentage I would get from them is trivial. yes, I get a happiness boost the turn I sign a treaty, but nothing after that. So, what the point?

And as for treaties with races that are comperable in size, that may be good to avoid a two front war, but I am sure eventualy things will go sour. All part of the conquest game genre'.

I feel like responding to this little empire, sure, I will trade with you. I will give you a lesson in abject humility, and you give me your planets.