Noted, unfortunately I can't even see it before this week end. Extremely busy at work. :(

I liked the notes about buffind one faction or another because they are surrounded by enemies... it's the age of the country at war, they are ALL surrounded by enemies. :)
Damn that's why we need a strong diplomacy rework...
About the recruiting, did you consider the idea of the "troops in evolution" ? (start with poor stats, then new building gives bit better stats and increased numbers)
I also like the idea of lowering some stats. In S2R+ I think troops stand too long. Battles are overly bloody and there's never a mass rout. Most casualties are in actual combat.
What do you mean with experience threshold heavily upped? (Must be silly Qs but since I don't have time to test before the week end, I am too curious to wait)

Probably a major feature to test will be the "radar" and new movement speeds. Can't wait to see it. :)