Wise words as always, Tosa.
The need to 'pwn' ones opponent/opponents is ( IMO ) the greatest reason for MP battles to deteriorate and ( again IMO ) hey have done so since MTW.

The term 'noob' is an insult and helps not one bit the cause of the MP side of this game.

Some of my most enjoyable games have been when a new player has joined. We may not have won a resounding victory but hopefully the 'noob' enjoyed his experience enough to continue playing Total War.......as indeed I did myself some years ago

.....Orda