[Baron Munchausen]

This can be changed, though. You can edit the AI control files to make it place more emphasis on research. There is the risk, though, that if you bump research up too much it will not build enough other things, like mineral extraction facilities, and you'll still be able to beat it too easily. Let's face it, an "AI" with current computer technology is just not smart enough to handle a game as complex as SE IV at anything like the same competancy that a human can. <shrug>