I noticed fields for early, high, and late period dates in the txt files. Do the tech advances activate around the period changes? Say, if I were to put 0 AD as the start date and early date, 1 and 2 AD as the high and late dates, respectively, could I expect compass and gunpowder to come right away?

I just wan't a longer game with a proportionally longer tech time frame if possible... preferably, indefinite.

I get my kicks out of maintaining a balance of power throughout the "world". If one country starts to dominate, I help put it back in its place. Its not as easy as it sounds, especially when you are trying to nurse a reemerging eliminated faction back to power via spies and limited military action. I play all turn based games like this, its just a bigger challenge to me than plowing the enemy down with my mighty armies.