I am curious about what people choose when they make a race. I tend to play 5000 point games and load about 5 computer players and max them out plus select high for number of empires.
I tend to crank research, resource production, maintenance etc. Focusing on the mainstays of the game - I rarely select any of the special characteristics except two.
The first is 25% more supply

It makes a big difference in terms of scouts and colony ships ... heck, even battle fleets.
Lately, I've started selecting emotionless... I kept having my populations shift to indifferent in many games (regardless of my 'type' ... bloodthirsty or peaceful...). Choosing emotionless has led to a pretty stable atmosphere... especially since I can declare war or make peace with impunity.
Anyways.... what do the rest of you select??
Jason2