For the first time since before WoM I am actually really excited about this game. The last beta was an enjoyable experience and this is an improvement on that. I'll reserve any real thoughts for when I've had a few days with tis build, but first impressions are that it's promising. So much so in fact that this is the first time I've felt the need to post anything here, even though Ive been lurking for over a year.
Your only sensible option is to go in and ask for the game and when they don't have it, smash the place up.
Yeha, it would be handy to be able to look at your cities stats before choosing a bonus. Would help to build the most effective economy.
I agree. It strikes me as rather silly that I can afford tons of weaponry and armour for my troops, but would have to save up for 50 turns to buy a sword for my leader. The pricing how it is, I haven't bothered to buy a single piece of equipment for a sovereign yet. The money is much better spent on several (fully kitted out) soldiers instead. The difference in prices just seems enourmously skewed to me.