Gent:
If you only play in "phases" exclusively against the AI in TOC, you will have a totally different experience then if you play against a human opponent.
Frankly, the few times I have played against the AI (Usually waiting for a PBeM turn), I have quickly become frustrated and bored with HAL's play since it cannot replicate the nuances of a crafty human opponent.
To each his own... either PBeM or solo play against the AI.
IMO, if you are playing exclusively against the AI... you are only experiencing a fraction of what the TOC game system can deliver!
It's like owning a high performance sports car, but only driving it around in third gear!
Hopefully, you'll give PBeM a chance?
- even if it's just one match. It's worth the time and play investment!
Regards, Mike / "A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week." - George S. Patton /