I still sometimes lose to the AI.
Just recently, I downloaded the Devnell Mod W/Space Monsters Ver. 1.60 Well those darn monsters ATE my empire - despite my best efforts.
Thankfully a later Version slowed down the spawning of those beasts. Now I can hold my own but it still isn't easy!
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Gaze upon Taz-in-Space and TREMBLE!
<img src=http://imagemodserver.mine.nu/other/MM/SE4/warning_labels/inuse/taz.jpg alt= - /]
WARNING: Always count fingers after feeding the Tazmanian Devil!