Good news ahead, lads, patch is on it's way and getting closer, as announced by the Shogun at the .com ("Right just a quickie to say there should be some news shortly regarding the Medieval 2: Total War update. Thanks for being patient but expect some proper news by the end of this week or the beginning of next. I can't promise any thing but we will do our best!" - Shogun) - so hopefuly it will take into account the feedback expressed here.