Hi there and welcome to the forum
1. Yes, most mods can be pasted into the "Mods" folder, but to be sure, check the description of the mod (usually on the first page) to see if anything else is required. Activation is not necessary, the game iether picks up the new files/paramteres or dont: to check this, simply start the game and see if the mod is listed on the lower left corner: if yes, the mod has been recognised and loaded into the game
You do not need to use the strategic and AI mod at this time as they should both be fully integrated into the base game at this point. The AI seems to utilize all their functions and is performing quite well now so also does not need buff. Where it needs refinment is the diplomacy logic which is currently under development and utilization of some of the games special functions such as hiring mercs (there are no mods for these though)
2. Not probable as far as I can tell. Would nice even if decals though
3. Would be nice yes: there has been imporvements (such as dynamic display of which weapon types small crafts use) but could be improved upon - maybe there is a mod for this as well: there is one that shows recharge rate of shields (and also lowers the value but I would recommend using this mod - I always do)
4. If you need an endgame challenge there are plenty of things you can do (I also always on the lookout for this):
- Select Large map and set 120 stars
- Use Game Speed "Epic"
- Play on Oval shaped Galaxy (there is less "safe" space around you in this shape as the angle from where attacks can occur is much larger)
- Only use "Normal" difficulty for the best experience (otherwise you will be forced to rush through the tech tree)
- Leave all other setting on default
- Do not buy mercenary ships - AI does not yet utilize this function and is thus a huge advantage to the player when used
- If you opt-in to the developer branch, you can try out the new diplomacy changes: these make the early game a but more easy but help mid and late-game as alliances form and crash
- Select a race wit ha weak starting position such as Human or Gremak - this will keep you busy at least untill mid-game
5. Click on the same locations multiple times: the underlying assets should cycle through your selection
6. Don't know, the only hotkey I use is the spacebar to end the turns - you cna also right click to exit any screen
7. Game Speed setting: "Epic" only affects Research rate by changing the multiplier to 1.5 and does not yet affect production. You can check the setting and change it if you like in file: new_galaxy.lua
There is of course some random luck involved in how other empires evolve but you can always declare war on your allies if you see that they are the only ones that can provide a nice challenge in your particular playthrough
Hope that the above helps and you will get the late-game experience you are searching for