Having seen different versions of early, define very early.
I don't think they trade they're tech points, I might be wrong, but they seem to have plenty when I meet them.

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

This is about trading tech points, which any AI can do with any other, and with the human player.  I'm not sure I understand how that is cheating, unless there's some aspect of it you haven't mentioned.

My point is they trade with each other tech points easily and a lot regardless of who gets the better deal which means all the AI have basically the same tech unless they're at war with each other. I'd much rather they be more shrewed about it. I end up never building world wonders because they give each other so much tech.