For me one of the most rewarding aspects of the game is the ability to manage a large empire and become the reigning super power on maps (especially Gigantic maps). The game is always as fun for me in terms of being able to rule the universe as it is in the challenge of winning. With that in mind I'm curious as to whether or not anyone else has a habit of doing this, and how they maintain dominance in space when they allow the game to drag on and the A.I is able to catch up in technology.