I prefer the CPU to have an advantage. It makes for a more exciting game. If it was easy to figure out, or easy to overcome than we would be complaining about that too.
Interestingly enough, I had a major comeback against the CPU AI the other day. I won on a hail marry to messy marvin with no time left. I had one second on the clock when the ball was hiked. I dont know how many times in 2004 and now 2005 I have had games where i was screaming at the TV or dancing b/c I let an opponent have it all day long. Thats the fun part.
I think your issues with the AI have been magnified b/c you lost.