Well ive decided to do some more work on my own version of this since i got a new 2ghz machine. Ive deciede to incorporate Ed' o wars idea of strategic resource planets (if thats ok?), rather than just strat. resources on some stars. Seems to work better, and you can create some cool stars with several of one knd of resource, so the owner can trade with people. Done some other alterations and things, generall fiddling and playtesting. It seems quite fun to play, a kind of fast paced game with less things to concentrate on than normal civ.
Ive got some tech tree graphics, but getting a balanced tech tree will be difficult. So far the A.I's zoom through all research and get the final big killer ships while you struggel to get half way through the techs. I had a go at making leader animations, but ive not quite got the hang of that yet. Also i plan to start sorting out the improvements and wonders, maybe adding some custom graphics, for the build que if not for the city view.
Ive got quite a few units now, might try to add some unique units for different civs. Maybe some alien races even!