First of all, love the game and think Stardock again has done a great job.  I look forward to seeing what other ways they make the game better.

I'd also like to suggest that there be more Lore appropriate content.  For example, The Yor and Iconians hate each other...but in the game, when they meet they act as strangers and are generally friendly (at least until they choose different idealogies).  Why not make it to where each race has certain Lore appropriate bonuses/penalties?

The Yor and Iconians could have a -1 diplacy with each other.

The Altarians and Terrans should have a +1 diplomacy bonus with each other (after all, it's more natural to get along with someone like you...as the Lore implies).

Drengins and Terrans/Altarians/Iconians should have a -1 diplomacy penalty with each other...the Drengin/Terran war caused ships to be found in anomolies in game, but when they meet they're strangers? 

Universal translator should not be needed for races that already know each other according to lore.  Yes, this would make the tech much less valuable as most races would know each other...Altarians/Humans, Drengin/Humans, Altarians/Drengins, Iconians/Yor, etc. 

If anyone else has other suggestions I'd love to hear them.  I know this would make some games more "cookie cutter" ish, but maybe a button could be included to turn off these options in the set-up screen.  For those of us who enjoy the storyline though, it'd be a great addition.