c13Garrison, I don't think it is considered "dumbing down." I haven't tried it myself, as I don't play TMO (just a matter of personal taste), but I know that some serious gamers use the mod, called Easier AI for TMO v2.5.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/down...o=file&id=3542
The comment on the upload page is "Eases back the TMO ship AI a little. Should provide scary yet survivable encounters." Says nothing about wimps, wusses, or little kids.
YMMV
Good luck and Godspeed.