Many ages ago Shogun 2 gave us Legendary, a far cry from the safe enclosures of Very Hard difficulty.
Yet it was lacking, inhibited by artificial limits. Power hungry demi-gods found it to be challenging to only a certain extent. It was lacking.

If you desire a challenge, choose the next difficulty option.
"Beyond" or "Realistic" difficulty is set by enduring a campaign with battles fought against an Actual Intelligence, a Human AI.

The possibility has resided for years, yet been too underutilized to be doable. This must change, in 10 days.
The probability lies with You fellow Strategists and Tacticians, Commanders and Generals.

Drop In Battles, friends. (DIB)s
When your campaign begins, opt to search for others' DIBs. Thus supporting Beyonders.
If you're ready, go Beyond yourself.
The more participants, the better the experience.

P.S. DIB 'etiquette' is mildly extensive and currently being established, and you may find a Steam group beginning to discuss it here http://steamcommunity.com/groups/vh-p