I think as a result of the game having monsters as combat fodder a major 'mistake' of most Dms is that most creatures, and low int ones in particular, will NOT keep attacking if the prey is fighting back and winning.
So the statement
Int 1-2: Dumb animal. Attacks the closest target, or the target that hit it hardest last round. If it has multiple attacks, it spreads it out among all targets. Does not utilize 5' step, does not intentionally flank, provokes AoOs withdrawing, but usually withdraws too late. Does not utilize stealth techniques or ambushes.
-Example: Animals
should NOT apply. Since imho an int 1-2 creature will not attack the one who hit it hardest last round - it will try and escape as soon as possible, striking out at anything that gets in its way (ie tactically it will be fighting defensively and trying to retreat).
Hunters in particular generally aren't there for a fight - and so they are not going to attack if it looks as if the prey is able to fight back and if it does they wont stick around
Also the point about pack hunters using flanking and ambush as part of their natural tactics has already been made.
Personally I play monsters on the basis that self preservation is paramount - so I set a Break level HP% eg a creature out hunting will break and flee if it gets to 90% of its max HP, a starving rogue lion might go to 75% of HP, a creature fighting its mortal enemy might go to 50% , a mother protecting her young will go down to 25% max HP but very few creatures will allow themselves to go below 20% max without at least attempting to escape
Int 0 creatures might attack the nearest thing and not stop (but even then) and its intelligent creatures (ie 3 - 10) who are most likely to make bad strategic moves like remain fighting even though they are clearly outclassed, make dumb mistakes and draw AoO and advertise themselves when they are suppose to be in ambush
However anything with Int 5+ should be considered able to work out how to preserve themselves and beat up the other guy safely
. But a low INT fighter typically isn't a planner and stratigist; he's a soldier. He knows his combat tricks here and there, vis a vis learning, but ultimately doesn't come close to the ranks of... ummm... Confucious?
. But you get the point, right?
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