Froggie
I too, have had all the Total War series games.

I too stopped playing RTW, and went back to MTW. Of which i still have a game going.
I like RTW, but like you said, it does not have the magic of MTW and earlier games. It's playablility seems less, or is less, i don't know, it just doesn't have the magic.

But after reading the reports, including Doug-Thompson, i think i will have a look at it.
I hope i like it, i really do, i have always found the battles to easy in all the TW series, but i have really enjoyed MTW.
When MTW came out, I myself said to Mr T Smith. That I would enjoy this game for years, I have, and I do still to this day.
But RTW + BI have to really step up a gear, if they are going to replace that magic in MTW.
A balanced game, based in history, and playable. Make it hard i don't care, but make it believible, but make it enjoyable.
Eye candy is great, but no where near as good as function and balance, and believible.

Anyway, I am now resigned to trying BI. And if I need more provinces I always do.
Then I will mod it again. Or just punich bits and peices and include them in my own game modification. Just like my MTW.

Anyway enough rambling...

come on froggie, lets give it a go,

fenir