AOE 2 DE AI is baited really easy

After getting my docks and naval army smashed by moderate AI, I figured out the 2 things they hate to exploit:

• Docks - they'll keep sending Galleons and Fire ships to blow up your docks even if you've set up Castles and the lot to guard them. I just sent my navy somewhere else while my Castles just decimated their navy. Once their navy is gone, send yours and destroy all their docks and camp their base. Send patrol fleet to blow up any docks they try to build elsewhere.
• Forward bases - They will prioritise killing said building whatever the cost. I like to build at the water's edge so I got ship cover fire (I was playing Portuguese so my Elite Cavarels basically had a turkey shootout). Kept repeating until I whittled down their camped army.
• Imp age: After camping their base, they just pile up Castles and unique unit. Just walk over with siege and counter units.