Re: SE4 - A question of behaviour...
 

Not completely, IIRC the AIs would build more miners if they were running low, they just didn't care where they built them. Adaptive ship design however, was/is completely impossible for the AI in SEIV.

Re: SE4 - A question of behaviour...
 

I'm not so much looking for the AI to build MY design, as I am trying to stick with a specifically themed design pattern.

Is this possible, and if so how?

I am only recently attempting to mod here, and I'm still splashing around in very murky waters. Any helpful info and data here would be GREATLY appreciated.

Re: SE4 - A question of behaviour...
 

As noted earlier, the AI will use whatever designs you put in DesignCreation for that race. Make sure they research appropriate techs in the Research file.