Variable Difficulty

[Amrunril]

I think the number of options the OP suggests might be excessive, but I like the idea of having multiple components to difficulty as an advanced set up option. Perhaps each player/AI could have one setting for game start bonuses (i.e. head start), one setting for scaling bonuses (percent modifiers to tech, production etc.) and one setting for victory competitiveness (Does the AI roleplay or act as if its trying to win a game?). These settings would allow difficulty settings to be adjusted to personal preferences and would also allow for more complex, scenario-like set-ups.