Has anything really changed from CA?

[ReluctantSamurai]

Essentially they have gotten to a point where they have over-engineered these aspects and this has left the AI team producing an under developed AI as they have simply not been able to keep up.

I don't want to overstate this because producing an AI that can handle all this would be an incredible acheivement

And therein lies the problem, I think. It's much easier (read as, less time consuming) to create & implement various aspects to the game (new units, trade routes, naval warfare, etc) than to create an AI that can handle all of it. IMHO, this is a$$-backwards if you wish to create a game that will challenge and hold the interest of 'serious' gamers.

However, given the timeframe and economic restraints that CA must be under, it's perfectly understandable (although I don't agree with it). Rather than gripe about it, I've exercised my rights and simply refuse to buy their games anymore unless they develop one that I can enjoy. That other folks here can spend hours cursing at their 'puter screen (and CA) and continue to play this game simply amazes me (and I tip my hat to your patience).

When I sit down for a round of gaming at my 'puter, I want to relax and enjoy myself to the point where I lose track of time, not the other way around