I don't think you understand what I mean, Kevin. Ofcourse, playing against a program for fun isn't cheating. The program uses its own algoritm, and is not using any external source (as you would expect from anyone/thing you play a game with!).

The point that I'm trying to make is that looking at a certain position with computer AI actually gives you a greater understanding of that position. If you use that advantage in an ongoing game, I consider that as unfair. Fact is that understanding of a position in, let's say, move 24 is still usefull at move 26, cause many aspects of that certain position at 24 are still there at move 26 (like parity areas, swindles, etc.).