More than just 'weak' AI?

[Raapys]

http://aycu02.webshots.com/image/424...6952151_rs.jpg

http://aycu14.webshots.com/image/705...1722531_rs.jpg

I can't figure out what the AI's up to. It's been 40'ish turns without all but one or two of them building a research and/or mining/farming facility( And presumably colonizing)? That just my game, or are others having as severe AI problems( Using the Balance mod or without)?

Is the AI having troubles with maintenance costs which in turn stops him/them from expanding? I had big MC problems myself but he had even more ships and units, and presumably wasn't colonizing only 'green' planets like me, so he must have gigantic maintenance expenses. This is a 'hard' game with small computer bonus.