I get it, the main purpose of the game is the online PVP. There is still single-player options and Stardock has such a huge reputation for having efficient AI code. I'm a huge fan because of how good the AI has always been.
The AI cheats badly in this game, so badly that I derive no enjoyment from playing. I didn't say I lose (but I'll tell you right now, I lose all the time) but one of the big bragging points of past games has been 'Our AI doesn't cheat!'. That is why the blatent and pointless cheating really bothers me so much more.
I really hope there's some major AI changes in the work, otherwise I'll seriously concider asking for my money back or just giving it to a friend. There hasn't been a single game from Stardock that I've ever said that about, that makes me sad.