Impressions: 

Well, I just got through my first play through and I must say I'm impressed. The game is already engrossing to say the least, something rather unique in my experience for an early beta. I find this especially exciting since the Tarth game I played the AI on normal was so dumb it was actually impressive (when you kill a garrison with the first five armies, the second five of the same composition probably wont either). When you also add in unbalanced city spam and cookie cuter factions (and yes, I'm aware that these issues shall be fixed) it's a great testament to  the strong nature of the underlying game that it's still this fun. I'm already glad I bought it and think this may turn into the best forty bucks I've spent. Also, a shout out to Derek for making the game that FFH2 always felt like it wanted to be to me, I loved the mod and I'm loving this even more!   

 Suggestions:

Most of my thoughts on balancing and mechanics changes have been covered by others so I'm going to focus on interface.

 First and perhaps most importantly: what's up with not being able to click someplace on the unit HUD to center the map on the unit?!?! Every other TBS I've played has this feature, FE needs it.(And if it does have it, MAKE IT MORE VISIBLE)

 Second. Queuing multiple techs, it needs to happen. Make it so I can hold SHIFT to select multiple techs. I wouldn't have guessed that I'd miss it so much from CIV until it wasn't there.

 Third and finally for me. Stop the map from jumping when I cast a stratigic spell with multiple availible casters. I can cast anywhere on the map relative to the casters, so I only open the spellbook were I want to cast. Being flung halfway across the map is incredibly aggravating. 

All in all I see an already great game that I trust will only become amazing. Thanks to Derek, Brad, John and all the others for making such a great game, and for their dedication to making it better.Keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to beta3.