[Master Belisarius]

"Since the Last patch I have seen the AI group mine sweepers"

Yes, sometimes the AI use them in "Groups". But the AI move the mine-sweepers one after one, not like a true fleet... this is a problem when try to remove a big minefield, that would be removed without loses for all the minesweepers at the same time, but not sending the minesweepers one after one.
Well, at least this was my experience, but maybe, now the AI is more smart (I hope!!!).

Also, the minesweepers never are protected by warships. For this reason, some moders have included weapons into the minesweepers designs.

I really like the description of your game. But please note that a fleet of 40 war ships with 1 minesweeper component level 3, would have removed the minefield without take loses.

I agree that the AI script must include minesweepers, but also, at least one mine-sweeper component should be included into the attack ships.

Finally, I always believed that a way to help the AI with the minefields, is using the cloak components... but sadly, a cloaked ship can't remove mines!!!! I have reported it to MM many times... and currently I'm not sure if this is a feature or a bug.