Not really, I use the same race point choices, Creative being one, so of course no tech choices.
Ship design, somewhat yes.
Now that I think of it, however, the biggest difference is probably the fact I am playing version 1.2 instead of 1.31.
Maybe that accounts for it.
On the other hand, I am more aggresive than I used to be. That, I think, comes from playing Civ 3. If you aren't aggresive there, you have no chance.

ACK!