You're wrong about Freeciv's AI not cheating:
"AI players in Freeciv operate in the server, partly before all clients move,
partly afterwards. Unlike the clients, they can observe the full state of the
game, including everything about other players. Additionally, Hard AI players
can see every game unit even through fog of war.
AI players can change production without penalty and switch governments
without going through anarchy. Additionally, Hard AI players can set their
research, tax or luxury to 100% regardless of their governments."
Source:
http://freeciv.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ#What_distinguishes_AI_players_from_humans.3F_What_do_the_skill_levels_mean.3F
Granted, it doesn't cheat much, but it does cheat.
