[Sadly: Its not a Game Its An Historical Recreation]

How about a compromise? The game already has an option to allow the AI to cheat, giving it various stats-bonuses. How about an option that gives the AI stats-penalties, as well? The closest thing this game would have to a traditional "Easy Mode", in other words?

Certainly an easy mode is a good idea - and other difficulty levels as well, so that one could be named "realistic" and others would go under and above that one.

[Sadly: Its not a Game Its An Historical Recreation]

Sadly: because the bulk of customers will be those yearning for a competitive environment in which to hone their skills. Simple fact. No big deal, just a fact. But this is a choice and hey Nick's passion for history wins out, great!

I, for one, love the strive for historical accuracy. There are always gamers who see nothing but a game where they can min/max their characters etc., but then there are also people who love the possibility to "live the life" in a different era and different place. It is not about winning so much as it is about the experience itself.