Didn't realize that markets generated influence, that will help I'm sure.

This particular save hasn't gotten that far, but it happens with the other races as well... sometimes the first 2 or 3 I encounter will be the same way which sets me way back. If I get war declared on me early it's either use the 100 diplomacy to call for peace (and therefore not ever be able to ...

game_1474 uploaded.

I had a colony in a system and one of their ships stopped by as our first encounter. No option to set up diplomacy, just trade.

Yes, will do when I get home from work.

Thanks.

Playing on normal difficulty as human there seems to be some random behavior going on.

Upon making first contact with another race, sometimes I have the option to exchange diplomats and establish and embassy which often leads to trade and research agreements as well as building up more diplomacy ...