The amount of choices that the player alone can make gives much credit to the designers and their attention to detail. 2D map of the action. The circles are my main and secondary gun ranges. The game is not without problems, but for once the AI is not top of the buglist. I have noted the AI to be competent in defense, with the ability and willingness to use smoke, evasive maneuvers and determined attacks on a regular basis.
Crippled ships turn tail and run smokescreens to cover their retreat.
Escort ships try to place themselves between their transports and the opponent's ships, and AI battlelines won't hestitate to throw a few rounds down on you if they even think you might be the enemy. However, I have heard of a serious bug with the escort AI with regard to the escorts actually cutting through the transport formations and possibly damaging or sinking some of them. I have not noted that in any of the convoy engagements I have played, but it still could be a AI flaw. I have also heard of problems with the torpedo model. So far I am strictly a gunnery fan, and have been beaten quite badly for it on several occasions.