Slowing Down AI Expansion

[Atrocities]

Over the Last few months I have grown quite to like a game that has a much slower pace. I feel that the AI expands to rapidly, IE it explores 20 systems to my 2. I would like to slow down the AI a bit, cause it expand less quickly, while giving it the chance to max out its current planets.

I have played the Proportion mod, and I like a lot that the mod has to offer, but it has way to much to offer. Way to many component and engines. I like the pace of the game, and such, but was thinking that there might be a better way. I just don't have a clue as to what that could be. Any suggestions?

What I want is a game that allows me to slowly expand my star empire without the fear that the AI will have already explored the entire galaxy.

I hate giving the AI the added bonus of technology as I feel the AI should keep on par with me. What I expect from the AI is a more concentrated effort at exploiting its current resources without expanding to rapidly by exploring space and exterminating my colonies. Since most of my colonies are about 1/10th the tech level of the AI, this becomes routine, and I have to be careful of AI contact.

I would hope that by the time Aaron releases SE V, the AI politics / diplomacy and Anger / demenour system is vastly improved.

(Tangent)
I like the Intel system, but feel that it needs a lot more features and balancing to be useful both in SP and MP games. (Especially MP)

The AI is tough, no doubt