I am not playing with Fast Pace, actually. The AIs have x4 growth and x4 research, so it looks as if they are on Fast Pace. My research is standard, I am still researching Education, and have nothing in warfare/magic except for horse riding.
If I win Boris's game, which I believe is possible, I will try a game with master scouts, betrayers and natural leader, and try NOT to attack first. I will try to expand with free heroes and pioneers, make buddies with everyone and go for a quest victory.
I'm not claiming to be a genius, but I THINK that it may be possible to rush to get the quest research, and then just adventure with your sovereign, even if you lose your last city.