Another AI Question..

[StarShadow]

True, but I don't want the neutrals to all do their research the same way. Plus I'm trying to optimize the way they research. Also, I usually start with 3 planets, because of that I almost never research DUC. The neutrals, who only ever start with 1 planet, research 3 times slower than me, so I have to plan their research to take that into account, also, I want to make them different, have them prefer different weapons, etc.

[Q]

A good way to enhance the neutrals is to give them a special racial technology with improved facilities (they can only colonies the few planets in their system), a colony module for all planet types, a special atmosphere converter ......
The best is that they have all this technology even in a low tech start game from the beginning.
Eventually you will still overpower any neutral empire but in the beginning it might be quite difficult.
And one more important point: make them refuse any treaty.