Is there a way to make SEIV more challenging?

[apocalypso]

Suicide Junkie said:
Start a game with both regular and neutral AIs.

Then on the first turn, set your race to AI control, and set one of the neutrals to your control, and play as the neutral.

Hmm interesting idea. But why is that so much more challenging? Just because of the low race points they have? Or what are all the special things with neutral races?

Totally other question! I've choosen at the beginning that I can only see the races I'm allied with in the comparison screen. Can I change that during the game somehow? Cause I want to see if there is anybody left in the unexplored space that may challenge me.