I agree it is better. The AI will group ships to attack. It will also pincer. The AI has some troubles with strategy though. Plus I can never tell if my admirals have any command stars? I'm getting swept from the seas by the AI since it is currently 6 factions attacking me. I kick butt on the battlefield, but at sea my losses are huge even when I heavily outnumber my enemy ("very hard" though.)

The AI won't blockade ports consistently when it has naval superiority (allowing me a lot of cash.) That's OK, on "very hard" it is me vs. the world since everyone attacks and nobody wants peace or trade. I never get an alliance unless I play a Roman faction. That aspect of the AI is disappointing and familiar. As Carthage the Numidians wouldn't ally with me, and attacked me with inferior numbers to destroy their own trade (I had arranged an agreement.) Then the Greeks wouldn't ally even though they were also at war with Rome and we would both benefit.