Any hints on what speed settings I'd be expected to play as a multiplayer rookie?  I can defeat the hard CPU 1v1 on full slow- though it seems much easier with 1.12?

Most people play online with all setting on fast so the game doesn't take to long (and pirates off to...). If you can beat an unfair AI on hard with all settings on fast, you are probably ready for MP

Having pirates off seems to make the game far easier with 1v1s against the AI- I've completed the first of the military research only achievements with my first 'rush'!  What is an 'unfair AI on hard'- doesn't it have to be unfair or hard?

I've tried normal speed but I'm concerned that fast might be too much for my PC, especially online- are there games played on slow and normal as well?

Include me in on that also I am coffeeman on IC Online

Generally if there are, its due to people forgetting to change the settings. It just takes too long to play without the setting on fastest.

Thanks, I'll try fastest then.  I suppose I could just play the games with smaller numbers of players.

That can work as well

Though I should mention that sometimes a 4v4 or 5v5 can finish quicker then a 2v3 or 3v3 due to one team losing a couple of players - all of a sudden steam rolling occurs and you get a domino effect.