In my latest game i noticed something interesting:

I was in a war with the AI. It was losing badly. Very badly. Like no chance for winning against me, or just stopping me. I conquered its systems one-by-one, without loosing a ship. The interesting thing is, the AI was offering me cease fire proposals on more occasions, but on the term, that i gave it something in return. A planet, dust, ect...

Why would i? If i am winning, the AI should at least propose a cease fire without additional conditions, OR it should offer something to me, as the one, who has the upper hand, to cease fire on him! But not demand something!

It's like i say to a thug, that he can stop beating me up, if he gives me some of his money... (yes, i am that generous )

So the AI should know if its losing, and act accordingly to that in my opinion.