1.58/Bm1.10 Noticing Improved AI ship design?

Is it just me, or did AI ship design improve dramatically? I'm only far enough into a new game to reach tech level 4s, but so far I've run into many more sensible AI ship designs than I had in previous games. I've seen proper scout, PD and archer designs, with appropriate armor and other componants. Also, the cargo mix for planets seems to be more sensible (and therfore harder to invade), with a new focus on W.Platforms and more fighters. I've also noticed that scout frigates are doing scout tasks while warships are grouped into attack missions. Anyhow, it all looks pretty promising and I'm having more fun and getting a bigger challenge, so far.