After not playing the game for 10 months, I had forgotten about the rule clarification for solo play on boardgamegeek. The rules say rivals do not collect "bonuses" on the influence tracks, but the victory points at level 2 are not considered to be bonuses. The game should not have been as easy. I think I forgot a couple other rules, but those did not make nearly as much of a difference.
After not playing the game for 10 months, I had forgotten about the rule clarification for solo play on boardgamegeek. The rules say rivals do not collect "bonuses" on the influence tracks, but the victory points at level 2 are not considered to be bonuses. The game should not have been as easy. I think I forgot a couple other rules, but those did not make nearly as much of a difference.