Yes, it's exactly like the MTC, except on production and not population. 

Basic game mechanics question- does more AI's knowing a tech lower the research cost? I thought it only lowered the purchase price as a deal.
sorry to double post, but it belongs here
When I see a privateer I usually attack on sight. What happen if the privateer belonged to an ally? Does it make a rep hit and could it cause a war?
If you know at the outset you're going to be warring more or less permanently, I'd recommend despotism -> monarchy full stop.
The trouble with late-game govt. change is long anarchy so I'd really avoid that like the plague (except if you're religious).
Republic can be a very viable wartime gov't when war is done properly. Military advantage, lots of luxs, plenty of gold to keep your lux rate up, extra food for clowns, marketplaces for extra happiness. Make peace when it gets too bad, let them DoW on you.
It's survivable.
I've never used fascism, but I understand it's good if you have a small empire and are going to be warring a lot (perhaps a 5CC with an elimination victory?)
Neither Vanilla, PTW nor Conquests will run those files for me; they give errors.
If Warpstorm's Watercolor Terrain is the only mod, that shouldn't affect playability, I don't think. That one's just a graphics mod. Are there any other mods involved?