Yay! I managed to upload a new and better version!
So... My previous versions were either untested or had very limited play-testing. This new version has had three months of play-testing and is updated accordingly! Updates also includes new player input!
1) The Big Bang is initially adjusted according to Traitor's recommendations:
http://tw-cabal.navhaz.com/strategy/twgs_settings.html...plus my own "casual-friendly" adjustments! Oh, and Micro's suggestions, above, are incorporated as well!
2) Post bang settings are adjusted specifically to allow new players to quickly defend a home sector from their very first day of joining the game! Note that player strategy is *still* vital to this process! The bank at Stardock is modified, too!
3) Two new ships are added! The "Federal Mowing Unit" is the most useful utility ship in the game! Yes, I carefully restricted it's firepower to prevent the Gold Aliens from taking over the game. But! Did you check *ALL* the Hardware options at Stardock? No, I don't think you did! This ship is *also* designed to benefit players! The second ship added: the Scorpion, renders the Imperial StarShip completely obsolete! 'Nuff said!
4) A Gold Alien race is added specifically to neutralize gridding and also to provide the players with an incredibly awesome ship!