I like the time limit because I don't like to spend hours fighting a battle. I have lost a handful of times because I took too long in cornering and engaging the AI.

IMO the time limit definitely plays into the AI's hands, with its tactic of constantly shifting positions as you begin to approach them. If you're too slow to charge once you get them cornered, you can lose due to time.

I've also won maybe once or twice thanks to the time limit. I think the time has run out on the AI attacker a few more times than that, but I'd basically beaten them at that point anyway.

The time limit keeps battles from dragging on TOO long. And gives you an incentive to get your butt moving.

DA