If I had my druthers, I would ask Stardock to spend one more week and incorporate some of our diplomacy ideas. I sense they're getting antsy to release so it probably won't happen until after release. We're not asking for much, but here are a few simple things that could spice up diplomacy.
1) Allow two responses for each conversation... For example, the AI says "I just researched Charms".
a ) We think highly of your skills in research. [praise]
b ) You wasted my time to tell me that. [taunt]
Depending on AI personality, [praise] could lower their chance of war against you, but increase their prices in trade negotiations because they think they can take advantage of the fact that you like them. [taunt] would increase their chance of war against you, but decrease their prices in trade negotiations because they are scared of you.
2) Open borders for 10 turns without signing a non-aggression pact.
See? Very simple. Much spice.
1) Or a third option c) Mind sharing some of that tech?
2) Closed borders for 10 turns too.
In addition, there should be a matrix involved here so that if the faction agrees with your offer, relations improve. However, if the faction disagrees with your offer, relations decrease. You may still get your trade to go through...they will just like you less.
Obviously, they can offer the deals to you aswell. Agreeing with them may increase relations...but it doesn't have it. It would depend on whether or not they feel they can push you around. Disagreeing with them will most likely decrease relations...but again, it depends how much they fear you.
There's definately a lengthy algorthym here. I think it's needed....not just for this, but for pretty much every area of the AI. Right now, despite being better at the strategics, the AI is still very stupid when it comes to diplomatics.
