Now we've all been playing for a while, which new things do we like/dislike? I mean new things to do, not the game mechanics.

Good:
Religion and the Pope - a genuine new level to strategy.
The Guilds - makes empire planning more interesting.
Citadels & cities - as above.
The Black Death - always makes me laugh.

disappointing:
The Americas - years to get there, nothing to see.
Crusades - just another excuse for a punch up.

bad:
Merchants & princesses - a waste of time.

I'd say more plusses than minuses. Anyone else?