To put this in perspective, SE IV in its current state is as complete or stable as any other 4x title post patch barring the AI.
I will agree that the AI scripts need a major rework. As they don't seem to be having significant impact on AI play personality currently, and because of that MOO2 still rates slightly higher on the "all time" hit scale. However if the next patch comes out with a revamp that makes the behavior of each of the AI player distinct, MM could very well leave the remaining "to do" list in limbo and still topple MOO2 as the reigning champ.
After all every 4x game released (even Civ2) was finished with a few remaining tweaks that could and should have been looked at. So far Civ has been the most polished in a postproduction polish value, but the very complex nature of these games makes bug hunting almost a lifetime career. Even SMAC's initial release suffered similar problems even after a much longer testing gyration!
I think the 'to do' list is a credit to the folks at MM for aggressively tackling and wanting to improve their product. The Last patch for MOO2 still had a like size list unattended (and it's considered the best by most strategy buffs)!
Freyland, think of it this way. For an Indy publisher release on a semi shoestring budget title, SE IV's release is putting some of the bigger publishing houses efforts to shame (both in design and the polish fronts). For such a complex title and such limited resources SE IV is a remarkable product and effort! You can sometimes forget shrapnel isn't an interplay or microprose outfit, but when you put it in context. I say bravo!
And thanks Richard for your visibility here...I know you take some fire here but your sacrifice on the front lines doesn't go unnoticed by those of us who know how treacherous the road you, shrapnel, and it’s benefactors endure with your efforts of blazing into a niche buisness plan that equates to some interesting and largely unexplorered business frontiers.