8.

Sounds like everyone agrees more or less the pros and cons so far, so I won't get into that.

As far as the effectiveness of AI, the tactics the human player uses often exposes how good/bad the AI is. If your tactics present the AI with an opportunity, it can do some pretty good things. An example from one of my friend's battle: open field in middle, flanked by a U-shaped forest on the border, he sets up battle line in open field, with cav on flanks like normal. AI sends main line to engage center, while sending some spear units through the U-shaped forest, they pop out of woods and wipe out cav while player is occupied with the frontal attack. As a result, AI ended up with 3 or 4 units behind the main battle line, and lots of casualties ensued .