In regards to the first contact events, this was posted as a fix to the problem for Empire Ships Reborn some time ago. Not sure if it will help, but here.
"MrRobSteel Apr 24, 2021 @ 11:25am
I have found the issue "*\common\country_types\sw_empire_01_country_types" deleting it fixes the first contact issue but I don't know enough about modding Stellaris to know if it'll break anything else. I think it's an edited default file to let the AI use the extra ship classes."

Ya thanks, I am still learning as well, stellaris modding is not as straightforward as Skyrim but none the less, and by the way it is more a bugs thing then a request, in any case I do appreciate the help or the attempt if it does not fix it, have fun!

Hi Jatskan, do you think it would be possible for you to make an updated imperial namelist to go with the ships in this mod? I'd use the old one but it is significantly out of date. If you can that is great, just don't focus on it too much as this mod is the priority, but if not then thats alright.

Yup had that thought as well, in the next update I will see if I can.

hello Jatskan, can you make the turrets visible on the ships? looks kinda weird with empty pads on the ships

I would def be interested in the op version if you feel like uploading it!

alexmason3011 the if it is in regards to a few ship models one I can think of in specific is the conqueror sd, I do realized four of the weapon areas on the sides look like they are missing, however that is not the case, the locators just are not added there, so they will not show up or fire regardless. It is noted however I do not have the knowledge to add them.

CJ_Clay, good to hear, my personal edits relive quite a bit of fleet Strength and size and upkeep costs based Stresses to allow more fun and freedom to build your fleets and *clears throat * reck the insolent AI putting claims on your well earned territory.

I don't know if there are any First Order ship mods, but it'd be neat to have some units bundled with this mod, or at least a sub faction.

This one here has first order far as I can tell, however I do believe it is a TC mod

Could this mod work with the Downscaled ships mod? I can easily cut out NSC in a session, but a majority of my ships are downscaled so this mod could appear too large.

Is it possible to make this compatable with nsc?

I can try to hammer out the incompatibilities however the extra ship models will have to wait till I can increase my understanding.

could you make CIS ships?

Sadly no, I am flaky at best, if my personality was different then yes. However I am rather disappointed in myself to admit that other then just gaming I very rarely manage to find anything that holds my enthusiasm for long, sadly it is usually about a week before I revert. These mods are about all I can manage, sorry my friend!