Am at High. Think I've put in 1 HV. AI recently overtook and is at Very High. Do I have any chance if I keep spending $? Or better to look elsewhere?

Not sure what level you are at, but if you are D2/D1 it is recommended you push down the AI as fast as you can. Once you get them to "very low", they will stop putting effort in. If you want the recruit and are willing to spend the money, go for it. If you miscalculate and the AI only goes down to low or moderate, it may start spending again.

Helpful. Thanks!