Silly computer, can we get a fix?

This is if the task is to "teach the AI to play like an average Heroes player."
But if the task is to "play better than it plays now," it's not difficult at all.

I agree.
"Achieving a result" is a difficult and complex process, while creating the appearance of action is "not difficult at all."

Even if you just change the build order, there will be a sharp, qualitative leap upwards.

Uh-huh... and find enough Heroes players who would play all sorts of mediocre games without losing the community...