it seems that way until the AI makes a mistake that even inexperienced players would be able to spot & avoid using traditional principles

Everyone makes "what was I thinking?" mistakes, and we should not conclude, from that, a lack of relevant understanding.

everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone makes the same mistakes. depending on their mistake, players very much can and do conclude a lack of relevant understanding. this conclusion is an integral part of the learning process.

Human players make blunders as well.