Engine repeating moves instead of trying something else.

kokko

Hmm well. While it probably shouldn't do that while it's winning, it IS still the level 1 engine. YaneuraOu is supposed to be one of the top shogi AIs, so I would be surprised if avoiding a loss is that easy at high levels. On the other hand, the level 1 engine is already plenty difficult and underrated (in my opinion), so if it does silly things once in a while, it's more a bonus.

Secondly, repetition is a draw. While this probably doesn't affect the AI's strategy at all, it is still "not losing" and as such, not bad play per se. Except, of course, if otherwise you'd be winning.