Pre-SEIV (1.49) AI and AI Mods (TDM)

[Fantasmo]

Simply put, do they put up a challenging fight?

I recently found SEIV v1.49 on an old laptop of mine. Never played it and don't remember installing it.

I browsed Online to find out a little bit about the game and I saw many Posts and suggestions that a AI Mod (particularly TDM Modpack) is required for a good single player fight.

I like enough of what I read about SEIV to put some time into it, but I'm not sure if I want to get GOLD right away.

I'm real picky with AIs in TBG, if they cheat or use to predictable of pattern the game usually doesn't Last long on my HD.

So my questions are;

Will playing SEIV v1.49 AI ruin my interest for the game? Are the AIs much more superior in the GOLD edition?

Will the older Versions of the TDM Modpack still give me a challenge?

Is the Proportions Mod available for v1.49?

Thank you in advance.

BTW: I got a really good first impression of Shrapnel Games from the website... seems like they are interested in providing deep strategy games rather then a superficial one with flashy graphics.