A question on AI and magic use (spell selection and gem usage)

[onomastikon]

I have been playing Man to try to get my feet wet in magic, and although I am learning a lot and liking it too, much of what seemed a good idea in the planning ("on paper") turned out to be kind of mediocre in the making. Mostly because of the way the computer casts spells for me.

I notice it prefers summoning-type spells over other ones when given no preference. And it keeps using my gems! I dont have enough for Wind Guide, which is what I wanted it to cast, because it keeps making Phantasmal Army, even when combatting tiny little troops. (Also notice priests cast Blessing over and over, even when there are no sacred troops there.)
The manual says the AI will only select big spells with gem requirements if up against a worthwhile foe, but I think this needs more work -- what do the experience people think? Will there be any hope of an AI patch in general (better fortress building and planning by foes, better tactics), or is this low on the priority list / doability list?

Besides always selecting "cast specific spell", is there a way to get mages to avoid casting certain ones?
Also, in playing Man, I have a sneaky high-magic pretender, and when behind enemy lines, her gems go out so quickly -- when trying to send sneaky people out as gem carriers, they sometimes USE the gems all up by the time they get there -- any tips here?

But also what has looked good on paper but turned out to be so-so is that I rarely have enough gems, for casting, rituals, and forging. Also, only my Pretender can cast most of the goodies I thought were going to be so hot.

I am thinking about trying out Machaka, because I like the combo of earth and nature a lot, plus they have fire too -- but all low levels, and no air magic, which I also love. Would empowerment be worth it?

So this is many questions, sorry about that, but thanks in advance for suggestions.

[ January 17, 2004, 13:43: Message edited by: onomastikon ]