Isn't it rather dull that all factions automatically start off with 0% relation with you, and you are immediately thrust into war? Wouldn't it make more sense to have to declare war first? It would be interesting to see the effect of neutral parties trading with two warring factions; like the War of 1812 from real life history. Perhaps the starting diplomatic relations would vary according to species. Humans would start with, say, 30% towards the player, Vasari with 10%, Advent with 20%.
What does everyone think?