Yes, AI broke MoM, that itself is fantastic (or else I would not trying to beat it so much times. Most games have 1 try for me. Or lesser.
The same problem plagued, for example, Space Empire IV and, for less extent - Alpha Centaury. Amazing technologies, that broke gameplay, because opponent cannot properly handle it.
(In case of SE4 battle AI of opponent is impressive. It is diplomacy, that broke game completely).
BTW, site of Stardock's
Elemental: War of Magic worth to see. Especially it's journals. I cannot say anything about interface, because Frogboy repeated now and again "everything on move now".
Stardock's GalCivs have very impressive diplomacy, but, in turn, it is very hostile one (at least in GalCiv1). For me it is the same problem as with Civilization 3: you need non-stop military rush, or else you will be crushed by your former allies. It haven't place for peaceful diplomat, as me.
Armageddon Empires is solid game. But
too clumsy in interface with
way too clever opponents (or it seems such for me, while I battle interface
I gave it about six tries, then gave up: when you feel your own stupidness now and again just because you discover new "simply" feature, that put everything upside down... it is not very cool. And "permanent death after capital fall" not cool too... but I can live with it.
So just now my strategy favorite is Dominions 3. AI is strong enough to beat me, haven't diplomacy flaws (and diplomacy at all
) but map is so large (if you want it), that you can react and tune army for every opponent.