HomerSimpson: In a single player game, if I set my level at beginner but set my opponents' at a higher level is the effect to make the game more difficult for my opponents or will it make it more difficult for me to play aginiast them? I guess what I'm asking is whether or not my opponents are subjected to the restrictions that would come with the higher setting, or if it makes them play smarter.

I haven't actually done this, and likely won't since it feels like it would be 'gaming the system' to me, so it's more a matter of curiosity than anything else.

jamotide: The difficulty affects them the same way it affects you, basically making it easier to win battles. Only the ratings are in reverse. Meaning if you set an AI to the highest rating, it is playing the game on beginner level. So it can advance faster.

HomerSimpson: Sorry to be dense here. I just want to make sure I'm understanding correctly. When you say that it affects the opponent in reverse does that mean that my game would be easier for me if I designated all of my opponents (i.e. Nameless, Erdu, etc.) as 'beginner'?

Gremlion: Yes, they would have penalties like on max difficulty level.
Common sense - setting AI as novice must make game easier for you. Game handles this by making game harder for AI.

HomerSimpson: Thank you for the clarification, Gremlion. I'm going to mark Jamotide as the answer, but as I always, I appreciate your patience and assistance.