[raynor]

IMHO, it just isn't fair to compare the AI in SEIV to that in Gal Civ. In SEIV, an adaptive AI would have to change its ship designs based on mines, satellites, fighters, drones, long range weapons, short range weapons, armor bypassing weapons, shield bypassing weapons, etc. But Gal Civ just has attack strength and defense strength. The difference, in terms of AI complexity, in my opinion, is even greater than that between chess and checkers.

Fortunately, I think Gal Civ may have a few "Civ-like" features that will make up for the extremely simple ship combat. I think the AI may have a better implementation of diplomacy and trade.