So, I realized that for the most part, my battlefield skills suck.../bad/, so I decided to play around with the custom battles. And I realize that almost always(I give both sides 100k, that way I can get the troops I want) the AI will go for insane bonuses, Gold or Silver chevrons(?) in experience, weapons /and/ armour. Which gives all kind of insane bonuses. But, this is just a regular whine, so don't give it much thought.

What I wanted to know is how can I improve my tactical ability beyond 'absolute basic'? Beside trial and error, and trial and error, and so on, and so forth?

As for the strategy map. I really do detest not having enough loyal, even if my cities are raking in a lot of cash. Also, why can't a general gain a triumph against the /Epeirotes/, I mean, the Epeirotes for god sake. :D

And finally, by 232bc, I've taken all of Italy up to Massalia in the west, Patavium(I think) in the east and Mediolanum in the north, and all of sicily. As well, basically everything from Sparta all the way up to Pella. Is this good progress?