Nothing but frigates

I'm currently playing the GidMod with the latest patch (1.66).
After more than 100 turns I have seen nothing but frigates from every AI opponent. I am using light cruisers and cruisers.
Another problem is that all the AI's seem to have stopped research on weapons as well. They research up to level 5 quickly (before I do) and then stop. I have been facing frigates with level 5 DUCs and CSMs for over 50 turns with no improvement. They do improve the engines (although they are still Ion engines even though Contra Terra is availabe after level 10) and the armor somewhat. They don't seem to research cargo either (still using level 1 supply and ordinance storage). The first time I ran into an AI frigate it was ahead of me in technology in most areas but now they are so far behind it is no challenge. They also include combat sensors on ships without weapons (such as colony ships).
Another thing that bothers me is that all the races frigates are the same. They are all using DUCs and CSMs in the same combinations. The ships are laid out nearly identical to each other. The exception being the crystalline race but the only difference is the armor they use. In SEIV the different races had very different ships which made for a much for interesting gaming experience.
I don't want to sound completly negative. The AI did actually invade and take over one of my colonies I had established in it's territory and has laid satellites at several warp points but until it improves it's ship design and research priorities it will never provide any sort of challenge to even the most novice player.