AZWildcat - I would have to agree with you but for a different reason. There just doesn't seem to be the same level of accomplishment or satisfaction in completing a wonder. It could be that after playing so many games that the thrill is gone.
I wonder
what the game play would be like if you could direct a city to build a wonder but the final effects would be selected from a random list. Each wonder could have a unique set of possible game effects to prevent any tribe from getting the exact same wonder as another tribe.
BTW - a simple strategy is to start wonder building before the AI does. Designate goals for each of your cities in the beginning of the game if you want to win. Of course, if the computer builds a wonder that you really want, just take it away from it.