Another refugee from the MOO3 Cataclysm

[Atraikius]

With the comments about MOO3's macro-management, and SEIV's micro-management, I thought I'd point out something that I found working on AI's.

To help out in determining how AI's work, I've played games in which I left my race under complete AI control, but woould make changes to the AI files durring the game to adjust how they operated. Playing SEIV this way was a bit slow and awkward, due to having to quit the game and reload in order for the changes I made to take effect, but made for some very entertaining games. The experience I had playing SEIV in this way, was very similar to what appeared to be the goal of MOO3. This would be a neet option to include in SEV, and would help with making AI's at the same time.

[Master Belisarius]

I have used your approach too, Atraikius.
Playing as the empire of one of AI files that I did (Aquilaeian, Pyrochette, Tessellate), usually can play with lot of automated things without scream!
Of course that always I have controled my fleets. But can let without big problems, to the AI manage most of the planets, manage the research tree, and even, design most of my ships. Then, can adjust what I want.

But think that's only valid for SE4, if you really know very well the AI files that you're using.

[Atraikius]

MB - Yes, you need a basic understanding of the AI files to begin with, but once you have that, I think it helps you understand the files better.
Instead of controlling event he fleets yourself, try making yourself ONLY make changes to the AI files. Any thing you want the AI to do differently you have to do in the AI files (or the strategy settings in game if using a .emp file). I thought playing that way gave the feel of really being the emporer, not being able to directly control what your empire does, only directing/manipulating your miniters to do what you wanted. (you can also think of it as an additional difficulty level for when the game gets too easy)