You hit the nail on the head. All PES from 2013 onwards that have the att/def level modifier suffer from the same problem.
If the CPU att/def level is neutral, the CPU AI will lack any motivation i.e. they are PASSIVE. [you see this simply by putting the controller down]
when CPU att/def level goes attacking, the CPU AI is ACTIVE. This usually will happe towards the end of the game which is why last minute goals happen so often in this series.
Its taken years, plus a lockdown due to a pandemic, for me to finally see this.
So far, there seems to be no solution other that calling these (BS) mechanics out to the devs [TO LET THEM KNOW THE PLAYERS ARE WAKING UP FROM THE MYCLUB TRANCE] so they pull their finger out,
I'm just glad you've noticed something - it sounds like you are seeking an ACTIVE game; whilst other players (confusingly for me and also harmful for the games future directions) do not contest the PASSIVITY of the game,
I'll definitely be looking to see if this is addressed in any future PES demo cos this is pretty scandalous for a footy game that RRPs at £50+ on release.
[i'm not sure if this could be a factor why ppl prefer disc version - i wonder if those playing disc e.g.
@spurs73 could take a mo to look into this]