Keep at it Schiltrom - you're lucky that the game is at least challenging. Us TW vets often find new TW games waaaay too easy and have to rely on after-market mods to spice things up a little. I have to say, contrary to what all the reviews and previews said, E:TW is the easiest one I've played for a long time. Still - plenty of factions and styles still to play

You'll get better and better with every turn and soon enough you'll be in the sweat-spot where it's about right. Not too hard and not too easy, but a good, enjoyable challenge. I envy you :(