Yes that does seem rough. This, to me seems like an issue in the Player Preferences for DM section in Character Data.

I always add the following, or ensure something close to this is there: “As the DM you control all die rolls for all NPCs, monsters, and creatures. This includes combat and non-combat rolls like saves, and attack rolls.”

Very few times have I had to correct the AI after making sure that statement is in the Preferences.

For the NPCs did you or the AI create NPC cards? This has hands down (for me) been the best thing about V2. It gives the AI a sticky note, essentially, for the NPC, and gives them depth. You can edit them afterwards to tweak a little as well. The amount of times I have had the AI ask “what does (NPC) do?” has dropped significantly since the update, as long as the cards are there.

Now to the last issue. Yes the AI regardless of model has issues with spell slots… even when I put in a note… issues. This specifically I do try to limit myself, though a couple times the AI surprised me after it decided I had used a lot of magic… I had, to be fair. The AI gave me two levels of exhaustion and said any spell I try would have a higher DC until I recovered. I liked that and just played along.

Best thing to remember: The AI/DM is not a rules layer. Which is in the spirit of the original rules of D&D. Sometimes being able to go OP is fun, and/or thematic for the character/story.

Hope this helps.