If you are playing OCC on v2.42 it is perfectly possible to gain alliances with all civilisations that might get near you and maintain them until launch - don't be affraid to gift techs to the AI - it only slows down their research and speeds up yours!
Any shields spent on defence (or offence) are wasted and should be avoided - normally you can get adequate protection from a few NON units - in extremis invest in a diplo, but try to opperate with the absolute minimum of military units - this way you appear weak to the AI and they pay less attention to you. Combined Arms is definitely not on the recommended tech path.
Most of the above is also valid in MGE, but you have to tread very carefully indeed - a viable strategy in 2.42 is to exchange maps and request gifts on alternate turns - this will provide you with enough cash to run a deficit budget and squeeze a few more beakers out of your scientists. In MGE they will terminate the alliance - so you can't get as much income by this route.

If you have read the Paulicy - as referenced above - you should then have a look at some of the OCC logs that are in the various fortnightly competition threads - you will see that we adhere to the Paulicy with absolute devotion unless there is a compelling reason to deviate.

Keep a log - it helps to focus your mind. Play some of the fortnight games or the challenge starts from the back of the Paulicy - then post your log and let the experts help.

The above is all general - you ask specifically about the end-game. At about Automobile or even earlier you should have a massive tech momentum and from this point be getting techs no slower than every three turns - you do everything possible to maintain this rate and leave the AI in the dust - once you reach Space Flight it is now 40 turns to landing so everything MUST be in place loads of caravans ready to help build wonders - cash surplus etc. during this phase speed is your greatest advantage - the AI WILL send in his dips and spies - try to keep them out, but they are quite pervasive - but unless forced keep on the production path 1 SS comp/mod/struct per turn - build the minimum 17-3-3-1-1-1 (from memory) ship and get it off! Then turn to defence - or even offence.

From some of the comments in various threads, I think the general view when the challenge was first bruited was that it was impossible. And those who attempted it early on had your experience.

Then Paul developed the Paulicy and that showed the way.

I play an OCC or two but generally prefer the normal game. However reading Paul's account of his method marks the beginning of a new epoch in my appreciation of the game generally. What is so striking about the Paulicy is the intense focus that is achieved. Every move made is devoted, single mindedly to the end in view. Nothing is wasted.

Nowadays I play each game in the hope that I can first define a clear objective and then devise a route to its achievement that is as economical.

Of course tactical opportunities must be recognised and exploited. But they must not lead into blind alleys.

So stick to the Paulicy when next you try OCC and you will triumph.

p.s. where does it say build modern defensive units in the Paulicy?

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Scouse Git[1]

Also, even before that point, a few units (from huts) can assist in the task of keeping non allied A1 units from sitting on your specials.

quote: Originally posted by Scouse Gits on 01-31-2001 09:22 AM [spirited defence]Diplomacy is cheaper than Arms! I have rarely been unable to keep any AI placated in 2.42 - give them enough techs and they love you - it is very tempting to take the 600g for declaring war on the arch enemy ... but it doesn't pay in the long term. Be at peace with the world and race to AC. [/spirited defence]

I play 2.78- IIRC the AI is a little meaner than 2.42 (and MGE is worse).
I don't take the money for declaring war, which makes them unhappy. Then I give a tech or 2 and they're back to worshipful. It isn't my ally that's the problem, it's his ENEMY, who refuses to become happier than neutral.

quote: p.s. where does it say build modern defensive units in the Paulicy?

In summary - try to minimise your military presence (ideally have no supported military units). This is not always possible, but certainly worth striving to attain. I am not the master here - but look at the logs of paul and latterly Ribbanah - the watchword is focus (and not on military matters).

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Scouse Git[1]