I just moved up to Monarch and am getting adjusted to AI behavior at that level. To get a better sense of where I should be at a given time, does anyone have any guidelines for key indicators at certain time points. I've seen a few of these points interspersed in ALCs and other threads ("You really should have X by 1 AD") so I'm seeking to consolidate some of that wisdom.

Some examples:
1) How much research per turn at times X, Y and Z.
2) How many hammers per turn for a decent production city at X, Y and Z.
3) When does Liberalism tend to go?
4) How many cities should you at have at least?

Obviously, it will vary significantly depending on the map, opponents and strategy so ranges are fine. I tend to play standard-sized maps on epic with 7-ish civs (typically fractal, continents, random map script, etc.). BtS with latest Solver patch.

Well for your map settings, I would say Liberalism could go from 1000 AD (very early) to 1500 AD (very late). Maybe an average would be 1300 if you do NOT run a wonder economy (those result in much later Liberalism dates).

1) About 1k in the turns nearing Lib if you're bulbing. If not? Dunno.
2) Axes in 4-6 turns early. Wonders in 15 mid I guess.
3) 1000-1100AD
4) 6 before 1AD. Take over another civ before lib if you feel like it. 10 by 500AD seems nice.

Depends heavily on Tech Trading and Difficulty. Tech Trading Off (a favourite option of mine) will result in much later Liberalism results. High difficulty will result in much earlier Liberalism techs (whether you can keep up with the pace of the AI or not).