So, I just picked up my preorder of M2TW (with the History Channel DVD ), and I'm about to install it and go through the tutorial, flip through the manual, etc.

I'll then start a Grand Campaign. I plan to go with VH Battle difficulty because I want a challenge from the AI, but I would like to know what those of you already playing think is the best setting for Campaign difficulty.

I'm going to do the HRE, and so I realize that I'll obviously be facing quite a bit of opposition - but nevertheless I'm not really in the mood for EVERYONE to hate me at the same time, a la RTW. I'd like to at least be able to make an alliance, get a few ceasefires, hopefully not have swarms of inquisitors, etc., which is the impression I'm getting of VH. On the other hand though, I don't want everyone to try and become my vassal on the first turn either.

Think of it as, say, like diplomacy is in Civilization 2 or something; difficult on occassion, perhaps, but realistic. I'm a TW vet, and so I consider myself a reasonably competent player, but I want M2TW to remain a game - not a slog.

Any advice?