I don'T play with random intelligences, and I set all my opponents to the highest level without them cheating (sometimes, 1 or 2 of them can cheat). But during the game I actually play, I am somewhat disapointed to see how pitiful the AI develops it's colony and homeworlds. I conquered New Iconia after 5 years of play, and it had barely 5 constructions on it! I had more developped colonies 3 years ago!

And since I have Advanced Espionnage on everyone, I check around.. to see that the Iconians weren't the only ones who didn't do right. 2/3 of every tiles were left unused, except when they wanted to build trade goods, secret projects of Galactic Wonders. After that, they simply stopped building anything.

The AI has 17 billion people on a planet, and it's morale is around 50%, while there are still 6 tiles opens, and nothing is actually building! Not normal.

Now, I remember some of Frogboy's game example, I though it was during 1.2's betas. He specificly announced (with imaged proofs) that the AI would develop it's colony better, and it had. But recently, I think the AI went back in time, de-evolved.