I play VH/VH myself, and I rather like it; it does make some turns long, but I have a kinda weird philosophy regarding the campaign. I've discovered long ago that the only way to accurately role-play is to establish an environment wherein I actually have to struggle. The politics and tactics of the time were all about victory- if the Romans could have blitzed Germania with elite mercs or an uber-fleet they would have. The reason the Romans DIDN'T is because they COULDN'T so I make it the same for me. I can't help feeling as though it is more accurate, more of a struggle, and more epic that way. Besides, when you win a campaign, it is a real rush.

But that's just my opinion