Well, aside from undertaking the tremendous task that would be necessary for a genetic algorithm there is already evidence that the battle AI can be fine tuned. I don't know who on this board has been fortunate enough to catch some of the time commander shows on the BBC but basically the producers on the show had redesigned the battle thinking of the AI. Specifically the programmed the AI to fight like Romans and they do a pretty good job of it and usually beat the human players so I wonder why CA doesn't take a look at their example and learn.

First, it has been proven that the hardcoded aspect of the game can be improved upon so its not like they can't recode their engine. Second, have AI nations fight like their actual, historical counterparts. For instance, Hannibal used the double envelope tactics quite successfully on the Romans so have the Carthagians form lines with weak centers and strong flanks. Gallic fighters were supposedly one-trick-pony fighters... they'd charge at your lines until it broke or until they broke - not very ingeniuous but its what they did. The Mongols and the steppe horsemen very successfully used the I can hit you but you can't hit me approach with their horse archers.

Otherwise, as we have it now when you fight the AI its all the same... The Egyptians fight like the Spaniards, like the Greeks, like the Dacians, etc...