Dumb as a box of rocks, I give them terraforming as early as possible, so when I steal their planets, I don't have to do it.... they sit there, with queues empty, and don't do it.

Happy to trade for it, though.

Indeed, I'm aware the AI is barebones, however, this is a case of flatly refusing to utilize resources, which gimps them even further.

I'd hasten to add, the AI completely ignores precursor relics.

If its easy to start with, its even easier when the computer hands you complete control over all resources.

I agree that critiquing something that has not been shown to us is useless. It is like critiquing the contents of a gift wrapped box before it is opened, completely inappropriate.

Ideas about what it could, should, might do could be useful to Brad, but complaints about how bare bones, ignorant, blind, etc. it is is of no use to him or his team at this time.

Well what I think the ai should do. Is first grab every planet it can. Start with production at 100%. Approval at 100%. Build four factories on every planet. A star port on every planet. It's best entertainment building. Of course starting with it's most basic building and upgrading to more buildings as you go. Then comparing your planetary income with your expenses. If more expense than income build income building if more income then build research. If population one billion before max build farm. If planetary improvement tech, any empty tiles then build building. If not improve tile.