Set up = annoying
Difficulty = easy
Create *6*
*fanatic xenophile
*pacifist
*native trait
*SAME planet preference. Arid, frozen who cares, too low habitability = no pact
Now;
*small (150 stars)
*no advance ai start, low hostility, no fallen empire, 5 ai
Pick your favorite after locking in the rest via right stick (phoenix on their portrate has a tiny lock)
The HARDEST part is finding them. Split your 3 corvettes and make lines searching, dont forget pirates spawn to harass you if you nab a new planet.
"they wont accept my pact?"
Preemptive, distance and new relationships give low trust, thus FANATIC xenophile; Just give it a few months, then, even aliens across the map accept
As a bonus, this is a great time to get the cheevo for making a federation.
Happy hunting (>*_*)>