Oh, I've forgotten to say this:
I think 7.0 is a -fantastic- release. Balance for 7 difficulty with almost no minor factions is spot on with only a few minor rough edges, at least with regards to my territory hungry playstyle. I'll have to start cranking up the difficulty soon, if I don't turn back on V.Gen, Civ Spires, etc. The whole fleet focus and guardian focus really comes together perfectly as well.