I was playing this game during the original beta, and right after release. As all of us I love the concepts of this game, but was abit disapointed of what was delivered at release day. Now, with 1.2 out, I have been starting to play Elemental again, and what a joy. I play on hard, because I love challenges, and I'm really having a good time.
Still think the AI build too many cities, instead of being patient and wait for boarders to grow and cover more ressources. I was never a fan of City spam for fantasy games. But that said; this game is fun now, and we finally have some good mechanisms that make few and huge cities more worthwhile. We will have more such mechanisms to, I hear, when I read about Fros 1.3 plans.. I have great fun developing my civ, developing my army and heroes, and that was number one to fix. Of course alot of things can still be done even better, but I'm confident they will in the future patches.
I for once like how population is an important factor now, but would like to see it limited to be used for new buildings in the city the population lives. Battles are much more fun now, but I'd like to see more strengths and weaknesses for weapons (Like we will have in Fallen E). Magic system and magic research is made smarter and more challenging, but I must admit I miss the old system of individual mana pool. I felt harder decissions had to be made then, but the system now also works.
The UI is OK, no complaints from me.
It's easy to understand the basic consepts of the game, but it's hard to master. Just like a good game should be.
Just write these words to thank Frog and the team for doing a good job on the game, and to say that I like the ideas I hear for 1.3 and Fallen Enchantress. I have returned as a big fan again! 
That said; I've never doubted Stardocks comittment to make this one of the greatest games ever. A game to stand the test of time.
