Silly question...

[Thermal]

I'm a little confused about the difficulty ratings for Empire; I was pleasantly surprised when I got my arse well and truly handed to me on Expert in a 1v1 battle. Does the AI get bonuses on the battlemap on Expert? What about Hard and Normal?

Can't find a single definitive answer on this, oddly enough.

If there are bonuses involved what is a neutral setting for both me and the AI? Normal? Hard?

Cheers.

I know from what I've heard, they get ma-hoo-sive morale bonuses its not even funny

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[pevergreen]

It does gain access to new strategems, but some claim bonuses as well. Until we can view every file, we don't know for sure.

Neutral seems to be closest to Hard.

[TenkiSoratoti_]

VH definately gives the AI bonuses. No way should US Line Infantry beat Coldstream Guards one on one.