Hi, I was able to finally chair the United Planets after several attempts and the first order was to propose that I host U.P. HQ. No problems there. I then had another chance to make a proposal. Additional trade licenses would be nice so I selected that. So when I hit "Yes." The Altarians and another custom race left the U.P. So I reloaded the game and gave (yes, for free.. I was so ahead in research and income) the 2 races all the trade related techs that I have researched and signed up an alliance with both of them. They still left the U.P.

I don't think that the game has any downsides if you decided trade with other races so what the heck! Was there a mod created where the AI is only allowed to vote yes or no? I don't plan to conquer the whole galaxy. I just want the U.P. to pass meaningful resolutions. If everyone voted no, fine! I'll just lobby for it next time.

Any thoughts when the so called "Neutral Grounds" resolution gets to be up for a vote? I have researched all the way to United Planets clout but have yet to see it. Several reloads didn't help. Maybe you need to have 2 or 3 successive terms before it's enabled?

On a side note, I was able to propose galactic peace successfully by declaring war on the majority a few turns before the next meeting. My military was so advanced and massive that it can be deployed on multifront wars. Almost everyone voted yes without anyone leaving. My allies voted no. You bastards! Trying to get in on the spoils, eh?!