Quote Originally Posted by Didz
Personally, I think it was a shrewd move. Having tried to take a city through an open gate I can vouch for the fact that it isn't a good idea.

As for the time issue, quitting a battle when your troops are in a city should result in a draw. So, there is no need to sally out at all.
Good to know

And thinking about my exp with open gates (spies) I gotta give it to you and the AI - it's virtualy suicide.