No, talking to someone is direct. Slightly influencing their emotions is subtle. As for the Gods issue, they have been labeled as extra-dimensional beings who have placed themselves as Gods/Goddesses in multiple cultures, so they can still be in but with limited interference. As for the ship classification, I agree with Wilson, but you can still have your own classes as long as you compare them (Like my Attack Ship, which is basically a light frigate). 

Also, I like the inter-universal tear disaster to destroy most of our empires. There could still be some tears, and perhaps even a small storm or two. That would certainly make things interesting. Anyways, I'm going on a three-day field trip and I may or may not have time to post, but if I do, I will be sure to keep up with things.