the ai seems to be about the same wimps.
the pirates have become wimps.
and it is at least 5 times harder to take an enamy planet due to influence.
it tkes at least 5 attempts to actually take a system.
and if that system has a system next to it with broadcast towers it is even harder.
this means that you have to build at least one tower in every one of your grav wells.
only to keep your planets