IMO the elite AI is really too hard especially on Chenghou!
Like said above, the AI is too fast! it's a bit like Mario kart: the AI cheats to be competitive. I HATE this method!
The ships' capacities are not respected: take a Goteki and everyone will thrust better than you, take an Icaras and you'll be overtaken in straight line!
Moreover, the AI taking a hit (rockets for ex) doesn't slow down as much as a player would, which is very frustrating. Yes, FRUSTRATING is the word, as in Mario Kart!
Also, in a good "hard mode" I think a GOOD player should be able to win almost any race, which is, IMO,not the case here. The amount of luck needed is too important.
As a consequence, the "arcade perfect" trophy is gonna be a tough one to get.