Well, *some* of the opinion has got to related to, one's experience and skill level, and whether one is playing Vanilla RTW, or a Mod; particularly one modded to adjust combat to be more inline with that of MTW and/or the MedMod.

I wouldn't necessarily argue, that, if, playing Vanilla, what does it really matter....

Vanilla, and, specifically, the assisting AI feature is clearly aimed at the Novice and/or Casual TWer.

---

The notion that the AI general is attempting to mimick some alleged *real* behviour is, to me, a bit far-fechted. If this were the intention, then why not give full control to every one of the Generals and have them behave in a similar manner as the Roman Allies.

Any stack with a General s/b allowed to roam the Map doing however the AI pleased. Crap, why not get rid of Player Involvement altogether. Oppps! I forgot, we've got that, its called "Autoresolve"....

More to the point, while TW is based upon history, it is NOT a historical simulation---IT'S A GAME!

Of course, there's a necessary level of *Abstraction* within the game, but EVERY General, save the one you personally control, acting as some suicidal idiot is beyond the Abstract---its ridiculous.

Not to mention the fact that you're Roman competitors are *supposed* to be the other two Roman *Factions*, NOT some General in your army, that you are paying, and, probably, could order him to be killed on a whim.

To that, my man Nestor II has said it so wonderfully:

There's obviously some kind of misunderstanding in the development process of the game: I actually want to win....
ROFLOLPIP!

You speak my mind. One of the things I find interesting are the guys so focused upon creating the correct Roman army compositions, formations, etcetera, etcetera....

For me, it's all about the gameplay. Just give me enough info about the game mechanics and interface functions, and I'll show you how to beat the AI; without Cheats and without Cheesy Tactics.

It's all about the Gameplay, all about developing a skill level.

---

In terms of AI controlled stacks, it's perfectly possible (although not in every case) to control both stacks. Just ensure that your main force doesn't have the full compliment of 20 units & it doesn't have a general commanding it. Then when reinforcements arrive in battle you will be able to control them on a unit by unit basis just as in MTW! I often separate 20 unit stacks sending my cavalry round the back of enemy forces to attack the rear, as long as a captain is commanding the supporting force i can take control (of course sometimes reinforcements can be delayed and having no cavalry can be a bit of a pain ) But generally works really well.
Some of you are missing the point of my second whine.

First one: Brutii army attacks a lone Eastern Infantry standing outside the walls of one of my cities; the garrison of 1000+ sallies to save their buddy!; I have control of the lone EI and the AI general massacres my army against a clearly inferior opponent
THIS! is the problem.

As I said before, "I don't need NO help, beating the AI".

The *feature* either needs to be eliminated and/or a Player s/b able to turn it OFF.

---

Even MORE to the point, the *feature* is pure CHEESE!!! Yeah, isn't it quite Challenging to watch the AI beat up upon itself, and then sweep in for the cleanup. NOT!

BTW, anyone know if this can be modded out?