While I like the idea of changes in 1.5, the implementation is somewhat flawed.
I am playing a xenophile/spiritualist/pacifist, I was as strong or stronger than all but two fallen empires and one hive mind. I did the full diplomacy tree as my second tradition. I have done everything I can think of to be diplomatic.
In this game two races (Kitsune and Asari) formed a coalition early and then invited several including me as associates. They refused everyone full membership, I actually reached +302 relations with the Asari and they would not let me join.
This was the only federation in a 800 star map(!!). In 1.4 everyone would be in some federation. Maybe the diplomacy needed to be harder than 1.4 but this is bad now. So, eventually I left the federation and founded my own with the one race who would even speak to me.
So, the +trust the diplomacy tree gives you is pointless until you can form a non-aggression pact, which makes the diplomacy tree insanely weak. Also, +5 relations now for giving a good trade deal is pointless, make that +10 or 20 to have any value.
I was watching the AI and they are also doing almost no diplomacy... I think that is why the hive mind is doing so well, there is no opposition in any organized manor.
I am playing a xenophile/spiritualist/pacifist, I was as strong or stronger than all but two fallen empires and one hive mind. I did the full diplomacy tree as my second tradition. I have done everything I can think of to be diplomatic.
In this game two races (Kitsune and Asari) formed a coalition early and then invited several including me as associates. They refused everyone full membership, I actually reached +302 relations with the Asari and they would not let me join.
This was the only federation in a 800 star map(!!). In 1.4 everyone would be in some federation. Maybe the diplomacy needed to be harder than 1.4 but this is bad now. So, eventually I left the federation and founded my own with the one race who would even speak to me.
So, the +trust the diplomacy tree gives you is pointless until you can form a non-aggression pact, which makes the diplomacy tree insanely weak. Also, +5 relations now for giving a good trade deal is pointless, make that +10 or 20 to have any value.
I was watching the AI and they are also doing almost no diplomacy... I think that is why the hive mind is doing so well, there is no opposition in any organized manor.