There are some rare occasions when cheats can actually add to the difficulty of the game. Adding money to beleaguered factions can help them rise up against you, while subtracting money from yourself can give you a tricky financial situation.

I don't think there are many other cheats which can provide benefits to your foes though. I think there may be an add unit cheat which allow the player to give other factions troops, but beyond that I'm not really sure.