Dead end how? I mean, I know the weapon issue but what else was there? I'm not complaining or anything, I don't really even care about 2.8.5 and it's great you're coming up with these awesome features. I'm just wondering why 2.5 and not 2.8.5.
If you want a test exercise for AI, maybe check out the editor's SoarAI. It's not replicated (that I know of) but they were pretty smart and could add some single-player fun to AA.