Some thoughts on V4.2:
Significant reduction of game drag in the 300 turns.
The AI is still parading precious ships like the Prime Minister, Prince and Princess (with escorts) into dangerous areas.
The proximity of civilization starting points certainly ramps up desperate research, creating and cashing in scientists for 'epiphanies', risking war to snatch up Precurser Archives and going broke for Pragmatic choices to get the chance to use the 50 turns of Peace to prepare for a knock down drag out.
The AI is still sneaky as ever - using ships to bait you out of position to attack planets and installations with their 'unseen' ships.
Full disclosure: Ludacris size, Abundant resources, planets etc., 14 civs (counting mine).
Well done! Love it, though it would be cool to have about 130 turns before meeting other civs.
Luceo Non Uro