Not when you take into consideration FD not implementing NPCs and then fully integrating them into existing content. If they had done, then all this could have been avoided.
The reality, is that virtually-zero resistance merit running and undermining is an optimal outcome for Powerplay. It always has been. It doesn't matter if you either have a lack of AI clout, or players, the end result is the same. Solo is the optimal mode for Powerplay. Because AI are not particularly involved beyond being a merit source, and certainly do not poses any sort of contextual awareness to "replicate" player behaviours in solo.
When there is a low friction model, versus more friction, it's hardly surprising, at all, that the low friction will be preferred; particularly because there is a) an expectation of zero contact, b) a cost to rebuy and c) some sort of stigma apparently associated. ED
have sorted the AI out in the past; in a shock twist, there was the same sort of reaction as we have now.
Lastly, how do you get AI to contextual understand intent? Yeah; AI should scale in threat and capability, that would be quite consistent with most any other game I've seen where AI are supposed to be the counterpoint. But AI are
not supposed to be the sole counterpoint with respect to Powerplay (other activities? sure thing). In fact, commanders are. That's the entire point.
So, Frontier has tried to replicate that missing counter-point in solo. I don't think this has been very successful. Hence the recent consideration raised by the developer.
Is this an AI problem to solve, or a player expectation one? They're actually two different concerns.
It's been four years; this was never going to be a simple issue to resolve, let alone even approach. I think Frontier are exceedingly brave and foolhardy to try. Good on them. Either way, they've
bothered to at least try. That should be recognised, regardless.