So, I've started a few games as the Terrans now, and every time I start as an ally of the Akarans no matter far apart we are. I notice that I start getting out-teched immediately, even though I'm playing at the beginner level. The buildings I open with are a basic factory, then a research lab. Does the AI just get more stuff to start with?
Seems like the AI is starting with multiple colonies too, maybe. Like I said, I'm playing with the beginning settings mostly, which are pretty generous to the player to begin with.
Maybe those blue dudes are just hell-on-wheels at tech?