some observations

[Umbrisse]

Wow, this may be the first time that a decent player could actually LOSE a campaign... you start with only a couple of provinces and you start turn 1 with large aggressive armies around you.

I've only lost one campaign, ever. It was as the Thracians in RTR. Macedonia and Greece both nailed me hard in the beginning with huge armies and they took all of my provinces, after a heroic defense by my armies. That needs to change. Here's to losing campaigns!!! (instead of being guaranteed to win because there is no real challenge, just the fun of beating everyone up)

[Rusty Hammer]

I agree 100% umbrisse, the start of a challenging game is the best part, getting a foothold is half the fun.