One thing I think might REALLY help the AI...

[Psitticine]

There does seem to be a curious logic applied to scrapping ships by the AI. They seem to hold onto some early ships as if they were valued keepsakes and ditch others as soon as they glide out of space-dock for the first time. I don't know how many times I've faced a fleet made of a mix of escorts armed with those first level DU cannons and cruisers with fifth level energy beams.

Not complaining, mind, just saying I agree this bit needs tweaking.