Currently one has only two options, either one deals with NPRs that do whatever they want, or one plays against factions that are completely controlled by oneself.
My suggestion is that one could have a faction that the player can activate parts of the AI, for example one lets the computer do everything except design ships to have them follow some specific theme, or the AI is not allowed to expand into new systems by itself, or one could just activate the AI for combat to not have to control both sides, or roleplay having a particularly stupid admiral in charge.
Related would be the ability to SM modify the faction, giving it tech boosts/minerals/ships to make a decent challenge for the player.
Parts that would be nice if they were toggable:
-Expansion
-Military movements/Combat
-Civilian movements
-Ship building
-Industry
-Ship design
-Research
I have to admit I have no idea how the AI of Aurora is built, so I don't know how difficult this would be.
