Hi Ron,
We are super close to release, but not quite there yet. We are talking days at this point. You are now on the list,
Viewing post in Welcome To Empire Deluxe Combined Edition comments
Ultra is a mod and therefore not under my control. You will have to see what the author plans. I had made a few code adjustments for Ultra in EDEE, so it could be a slow process if it were to happen as EDCE does have a few differences in that regard.
Spirko's "Speed Mod" is currently in the beta - I think he has added a few units. That mod has mostly fit well into the game without radical changes. Had to fix a few things in regards to it.
The philosophy towards mods is essentially everything is exposed, and whether or not it works like you would like is another matter. However, I can be approached with proposed changes and if I deem then not to be too much of a code risk and they do not violate any sacred game rules/mechanics, I can try to get them in. Most mod change requests that come about occur because there is some assumption in the code that needs to be a setting instead...so many changes are possible.