No, these actually are the mods. The big work is done in code, these small bits just enable the main functionality (and take away human psi). The point is that you do need these (and quite possibly more, there are many extra options documented in the OP and elsewhere) to actually start playing with 'brutal' AI. Just like you need at least a small mod to get physical training facilities, or retaking countries with a pact, or LoS-only psi, etc.