Is the programming contest too hard?

Well, if you want a problem to solve (though I don't know if IW wants any help with it)

AI Improvements:

1.) Changing the mage to research to combat instances (including specialty mages/battlefield spells).

2.) What types of mages go in what types of armies. Troop composition vs Mages vs surviability.

3.) Utilizing "Teleport" and "Cloud Trapeze" tactics in combination with Provincial Summon Spells (Includes Gateway).

4.) AI builds SC's out of Summonable creatures (Demons, Bane Lords, etc) including adequate equipment based on type and slot and uses them in appropriate fashions.

5.) Diplomacy (it's a big one)