It's almost painful to stick to, but I've sworn to play TI4 100% RAW for at least the first few games of it before adding or changing anything. Otherwise I won't have any way to judge it on its own merits. (First game is tomorrow!)

Modern politics, bruh

Modern politics, bruh

The single most important piece of advice anyone can give you, is use small wire cutters to punch out the ships.  Otherwise your fingers will cramp and be sore for days.

Sounds line you have played axis and allies before. The way I generally approach describing TI to a new play is this
"If you have ever played axis and allies and thought 'gee, I really like this game, but I wish it was BIGGER!!! More epic in scope, more tech options, more dynamic game play.... In space' Then yes, you will love TI. If you have played RISK and thought 'well, it's ok, but I wish it didn't take so long' then TI is probably not for you."
Short answer. Yes, TI is axis and allies in space, but much better.
Comment on the length. Yes, TI is a LONG game (not can be, IS), but I don't think it'll hit 16 hours. Even with all new players I think it would "only" run about 10 hours. The shortest game I've ever had was about 5, and 5-6 is probably a good rule of thumb for experienced players.
HOWEVER. It does not FEEL long. Unlike in axis and allies, where you take your turn and then go watch a movie while the other 4 players take theirs, TI has a very dynamic turn structure. You are constantly engaged with making (meaningful) decisions, managing resources, and planning strategy. The time can just fly by.

Hersh has the right of this. The die face that looks like an exploding planet counts red or black, whichever is more beneficial to you (but has an entirely different meaning outside of combat). The only thing I can add is that combat also requires you to make pyew-pyew noises and an occasional Wilhelm scream.

Note that there is one small effect: the old Curse replaces the new one, so that investigator will not be allowed to roll for it on the following Upkeep.

It's a Law BECAUSE it has effects that apply to War Suns for the rest of the game.  THOSE effects are still around on future turns.  The actual acquisition of the tech is a one-time deal that is resolved as soon as the vote is concluded.
 
Also, I agree that you miss out due to the AC played against you.  Vote against, and do everything in your power to leverage your opponents into voting against as well.  If you fail, use it as a bargaining chip to prevent hostilities against you.  "You want to attack me?  I don't even have War Suns!  He's got War Suns, and it far more likely to cause you serious damage if you spend your efforts hurting me!"

The player with the maximum influence, if still not broken - the player with the maximum starting influence (Latari).

Yes. The part about damage tokens just means once damage makes it through, in a later round you can't retroactively block it.

The tech requires the opponent activate the system.  Diplomacy simply requires them to deposit a CC from stock into the system, thus the system is never in fact activated.

I'd allow it, and applaud the audacity.

I'd allow it, and applaud the audacity.

Vanilla TI3 is a very satisfying game.  When you get the 1st xpac, it goes from satisfying to awesome.  Add the 2nd xpac, and you add sauce to your awesome.

Ask, and ye shall receive.