if you don`t have an english version and/or a 56k modem you maybe tried this mod,

Definite Mod for VI (at the "where it all should be" org)

it opens the dismouted knights, lowered trade income and increased farm income...andandand

sofar i encountered a much harder fighting as the enemy has better armies quite soon. and thereby acts a little more agressive.

i couldn`t find any comments, but i think there should be some..