I'm just curious how people deal with the AI in their business transactions.

Specifically, in games where you're not the frontrunner, as in those where you might be playing higher degrees of difficulty, my question pertains to dealing with the frontrunner.

Do you trade technologies with them if the opportunity is there, and they offer a more or less fair deal. Yeah, yeah, I know, it can be quite hard to get a fair deal from the AI, but is closing the technology gap overall worth the cost of facilitating the front runner? What are others takes on this?

I'd imagine in trading goods, such as luxuries and resoureces the answer is a bit clearer and that these items go to the highest bidder regardless of position.

Also, concerning the lower rungs, do folks make a practice of giving away technologies to make friends and also bring the herd closer together to more effectively deal with the frontrunners, especially as the case may be that you would find your civ in the middle of the pack? These seems like a good way to conduct business in my opinion.

I, on the other hand, prefer, where possible to use skill and cunning to get myself back into the game.

Though I do recognize there are times when a resort to military activities is the only path to salvation!