If customization points are listed as being exactly ZERO in my modded RC.xml file, there shouldn't be an indirect way for the code to break that limit when a game settings allow for higher than tough levels (even if by mistake on the players' part)... this is a very important figure for gameplay balance since the intended startup strengths of my opponents (again within a modded enviro) are ALSO heavily dependant on specific Parties.

A lot of careful thoughts went into designing a challenging set of races for X-Worlds or CoSH and since the new tech-tree paths & supplemental assets (PI, TG, SP, GA buildings, modules, etc) certainly have extensive influence over the 'activities', i hate knowing that some weird hidden code function (based on difficulty levels) takes great liberty onto randomizing this fragile balance.

One more reason why i **only** play test games on Tough, btw.

Compared to the Arceans, you can't possibly do worse (since they have a malus to speed).

For TA, clockwise:
-Yor: 9 inherent, plus 10 miniaturization = 19 total++
-Torian: 3 inherent, plus 2 logistics = 11 total+
-Arcean: +3 but -5 so -2 inherent, plus 2 logistics = 8 total+
-Altarian: +10 but -2 so +8 inherent, minus 1 logistics = 18 total-
-Drengin: +10 but -4.5 so +5.5 inherent, plus 1 logistics = 15.5 total+
-Terran: +13 but -1 so +12 inherent = 22 total*
-Korx: +9 (trade routes) +9 (trade bonuses) but -2 so +16 = 26 total
-Drath: +13 but -3.5 so +9.5 inherent, plus 2 logistics = 19.5 total+
-Thalan: +3.3 +3 -4.3 -5 = -3 inherent = 5 total
-Iconian: +~7 +3 = +10 inherent, plus 4 logistics = 17 total+
-Korath: +2.5 +4 +2 +1 +2.5 = +12 inherent, plus 1 logistics = 22 total+
-Krynn: +3.3 +9 +1.5 +4.5 = +18.3 inherent = 27.3 total

But what these numbers really mean depends on your playstyle.  For instance, the Korx have the second highest total, at 26, but 9 of that comes from trade routes +3 (which would cost you 9) and 9 of that comes from trade income +50% (which based on how trade scales at +2 points per +10%, it should cost you 9 points if it existed), so if you aren't focused on trade, they only really have 8 points worth-and you're spending 10.

It's interesting that the Thalans are so low-even lower than the Arceans-but due to their population growth and diplomacy maluses, they'd need a lot of points to make up for it.

Did you want DA numbers as well?

-Yor get +10 miniaturization but otherwise remain the same, rating becomes 19 total+++
-Arcean: +5.5 inherent = 15.5 total+
-Altarian: +12 inherent = 22 total-
-Drengin: +8 inherent = 18 total+
-Terran: +14.5 inherent = 24.5 total
-Korx: +21.9 inherent = 31.9 total
-Drath: +11 inherent = 21 total+
-Thalan: +9.8 inherent, plus 10 miniaturization = 17.8 total++
-Krynn: +30 inherent = 39 total

Seriously, how much more useless can you get than +3 trade routes and +50% trade, especially given that trade takes a hit when your treasury is >10000BC and trade routes are capped at 12 regardless, which if you go neutral you hit anyway?

I keep waiting for someone else to do it...

I'll get it to, I suppose.

Torian, Arcean, and Thalan are all worse, while Drengin is borderline.  I'd lump Korx in with them as well, as I don't imagine trade is anyone's major playstyle, but the raw numbers keep them out of that category.

But going custom is the only way to get the super ability+tech tree you want, short of ARC (which I personally can't stand).