welcome back.
although, of course, I suggust getting diplomacy for its larger ammount of players... so... it will help with there being more players.... we occasionally have 5v5s still. woohoo.
also, the diplo options make being feeder position... slightly more satisfying. (example... place 5 TEC diplo cruisers to your allies worlds, and give both of yourselves +900 fleet supply... bonus points if you dont have to go above 9% upkeep to do it)