Of course this doesn't address the Mage production issue, which I feel if the AI has no reason to produce a non-mage unit, it doesn't. It's standard or default should be mages. You could even go as far as having the AI make 1 Normal Troop commander for every 5 mages (to carry troops) and have % of those mages (depending on the threat of neighbors) put into active duty with armies.
And of course, the AI should dome it's research centers.
[ February 25, 2004, 20:37: Message edited by: Zen ]