This is definitely a RTFM moment, but I was enjoying my game, bein' chummy with everyone, got everyone to ally with me, and BAM! YOU WIN!
That was easy...
I'll probably never play a diplomacy faction again without turning off diplomatic victory.
On the other hand, I plan for my next game to be on a MUCH larger map size (was playing on Small), with habitable planets set to scarce, and pirates as high as they go. I want to struggle to get anywhere in this rough-and-tumble galaxy, and by the time I meet the other players I want us all to be cynical, battle-hardened peoples that would just assume shoot first and ask questions never.
Anyone else have a moment like this?