First played TATW ver 2. Was the SE. Got all the elven heroes killed (Legolas, Thranduil, pretty much anyone I'd ever heard of), sorta lost heart after that. I think we can safely say that was a loss. The only other campaign was a victory, detailed here:

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...r-in-100-turns

I am going to be one of the elven factions next, as other posters have recommended them! I just need to set aside my life, these are long games, though v. enjoyable.