I miss MTW :) Haven't played it much since I got RTW but decided to have another go with it last week but unforunately my comps have changed since I last played it and it doesn't like my Radeon Card now or at least the drivers.
I had a friend that had the same problem, he solved it by going to the video option in M:TW and reducing the strategic map to 800X600. I know it is off topic, but hope it helps.

I agree that if you have an inbred, strange, unhinged loon for an heir you should use him in battle, but if succeeds, he may get some good traits that will balance out, or at least some stars. I rarely kill an heir unless I am being overrun with them, death can come swiftly and heirs may become rare.