I much prefer the RTW system of transition from the strategic map to a battle map
I agree...that is a nice improvement but with the caveat that the AI knows which battle map goes with a particular set of co-ordinates on the strat map, but you don't. I've always felt the battle map should be displayed in the lower left-hand box when called up by the player but that's not going to happen so I just reload until I get a favorable disposition when I feel I deserve it.

They are rather featureless and offer less tactical options.
A point I'm glad to see someone else agrees with.

I also miss longer battles.
Which is why I still whip out my copy of STW once in a while and play several campaigns. Even as a STW veteran, one can still be humbled by the AI from time to time