@maudlin27 a slightly separate data point, I've had no issues with the AI working in any games so far.
I did want to note that when we were having the shield logic issue, @bsee and I went back to v56 (the newest without shield issues) and found it more aggressive and built dramatically more experimentals, specifically land experimentals. This made for a much more difficult and dynamic game particularly with Total Mayhem. Same 1.3x cheat and build multiplier. Not sure what the difference is in your build logic since then, but wanted to call it out if you're able to take a look.
Thanks!