Open Q - What changes/settings do you use for human vs. AI games?

[QuarianRex]

Right now I'm testing out my Giant Robot mod (that uses the Devnull/D-2 mods as a base) and I decided to be a little masochistic. Large galaxy, 3 world start with 16 AIs set on high difficulty (as always) and high bonus. I managed to expand a few systems before I encountered my neighbors who imediately decided to exterminate me. My smaller colonies got smoked pretty fast and I immediately had to go on the defensive. The only thing that is saving me is that my main colony worlds happen to be large breathables with astounding cargo capacity. If it wasn't for walls of 30 small weapon platforms and liberal use of mines (300 per sector, 2/3 of which get wiped every time I repel a fleet) my empire would be an unsightly stain in the anals of galactic history.

This is the most damn fun that I've had since I first got the game. Being competely outclassed by a superior enemy [they have APB XI's and battle ships while I only have DUC V's and Medium Mecha (close to Light Criuisers in capability)] and progressing through unfamiliar tech (Devnull/D-2/Robots) gives me flashbacks to that first encounter with the hated Eee who sought to claim my home system as their ancestral hunting grounds (their home system just so happened to be on the other side of the only warp point in my home system). And I've only encountered 2 races so far. If I survive this I still have 15 others to worry about. I love this game.

What was the original question?

[Deth B0y]

Since i'm just getting started, i go for:

5000 racial points
good planet start, 5 planets, high technology
no applied intel (i hate intel).

Medium galaxy (spiral arm/dense from devnull).

I have a hodge podge of my own stuff and devnull mixed with ultimate vehicles mod. Most of the stuff i've changed is to reflect greater scope - ie, larger vehicles (up to 40 mt) etc.

I use high difficulty, but no bonus (i am just getting started ).

I'm fond of the devnull space vikings and 1 or 2 other races that i mix in, with my own custom race (temporal/organic/religious). mostly this is just to test out different theories and tactics and what not till i get more comfortable.