I don't get many crashes, but sometimes when there are two many things happening at once (such as multiple towns finishing production, research finishing, timed events triggering) it can hang or stall for a long amount of time. I tend to play really big maps such as in the XtraDeconstruct mod (13x10 sectors I think) but to counteract that I only have four opponents. I like to quest around the map, build up my NoXPSplit heroes, and I also use new skills and abilities from XtraDeconstruct.
I like building up my Sov using the Commander skill tree (and the +XP traits), and I use the Armorsmith XtraDeconstruct skill to get one level of armor higher than what I would normally get. I get all the benefits of the Commander skill tree, plus once I get Chain Armor Proficiency I can wear Plate Armor (and I start with the ability to wear Chain Armor).
