I like the campaign map. The diplomacy actually works a lot better than in MTW, despite remaining quirks. The main problems are with the loadgame bugs. Traits are screwed up, but that is not the fault of the map. Instead, it is the result of ineffectual checking of the trait code to make sure traits are actually assigned properly. CA has been very sloppy about checking to make sure RTW features actually functioned as intended, and it is a real shame.

Linking upgrades to population has some serious drawbacks. AI depopulating low population growth regions is one of these drawbacks. Another is that the tech tree structure is showing its age, and I think it needs to be reworked. (Working more as a support structures to maintain X number of elite units, or determine army compositions etc.) Once you get teched up, you can build all elite forces, and that is a problem. However, you will fight most of the decisive battles with low tech units early on. There is really not much point in the higher end units at the moment.

The naval aspect needs work, mainly because it is not decisive enough, and naval transport is far too easy. There was a reason Hannibal took so long *marching* to Italy. Moving an army with a tiny fleet was not an option... Naval invasions should be a major undertaking as should blockades. Ports should play a bigger part in determining the size of navies, and effectiveness of blockades, etc. Navies were somewhat limited by friendly ports or an army land cooperation force as to how far afield they could operate. Storms should be a much larger factor for navies too far from friendly ports or friendly shore/or nearby friendly armies.