AI Level for a Solid Game with 1.1 ??

Hey folks I was wondering what level to play at to get a solid run for your money with the new 1.1 patch?? I'm an experienced player with Gal Civ II and I and have played at the Intelligent and the next level up in the pre 1.1 patch with some good challanges and success... from the AI.

I played a beta and was seriously challenged at the level just above Intelligent.....

SO I've played 4 games with the 1.1 patch and have dropped each one due to bordem cuz the AI was laggin in tech and such... each game I kept cranking up the AI levels... I think I was at Genius and the AI was still a bit slow off the mark....

So Im wondering what level and or settings do you folks use for a solid challange, one in which the AI is a few setps ahead in tech and has some tough ships in play... I not looking for an insane challange but one in which a guy has to work hard...

As well Im wondering why the AI is still not build economic star bases to boost planetary production and such... I've got Econ star bases everwhere asap to get things accelerated to crank up my economy and production... why doesnt the AI do the same...I just donet see this..

Yukon