[Jmenschenfresser]

Bored at work I took a look at their AI files and here is what I found.

Crystallurgy is, i think, the 28th entry into the research file, by this time they have already researched troops, lt cruisers, and intel. Crystalline weapons is, I think, the 33rd entry.

The Piudon research DUC lvl 3 and PD lvl 3 right out of the gate, but then all weapons development stops till they open up the crystalline weapons. I scrolled half way down the file and didn't see any missile research.

The two types of attack ship don't use missles. Only a few types of carriers and boarding ships use them.

Seems that the Piundon research defensively through the first 30 techs, developing mines, warheads, armor, shields, and intel. I think because you started so close to them, you saw how weak they are in the early game....however, if left alone for a long enough time, they may develop.

Although, I have never played a game where they are on top.