Just a simple suggestion here. Possibly add some Minor Races. While most systems would be empty and colonizable, these would occasionally pop up as an opportunity to

a. Trade and Trade Routes With (Helps for Economic victory)

b. Diplomatically make them a Vassal where they become a part of your empire peacfully (need high Diplomacy, helps in Diplo victory)

c. Conquer them (all other victory types)



I guess this could be an option when starting each game, whether to have them on or not. Just something to spice the game up.

I agree with your post but your suggestion has been brought up already: /#/endless-space/forum/28-game-design/thread/13096-updated-summary-of-suggestions-ideas



"Minor civilsations - Minor races in co-living with major races"



However there is no link in that section so I think this might be a thread for discussion of that specific topic. But that's up to jetkar.